Factors Affecting the Creep Behavior of Grouted Sand

Abstract

The creep behavior of Fontainebleau sand grouted with a chemically unstable silicate grout was compared with the creep behavior of the same sand grouted with two chemically stable grouts, a microfine cement-based grout and a mineral-based grout. Unconfined and confined creep experiments were performed to highlight drained creep behavior. The duration of the tests was between 100 and 200 days. Results were compared in terms of creep slope, and creep limit strength. Test results have shown that the method with which sand was prepared plays an important part in creep strains of grouted sand. Creep strains were considerably reduced by applying a confining stress. The creep behavior of sands was modified by the grouting treatment: depending on the nature of the grout, the grouted sand has exhibited creep strains of different degrees. The creep slopes of grouted sand were proportional to the creep slopes of pure grout. Creep characteristics of grouted sand may also be deduced from the creep behavior of pure sand and the creep behavior of pure grout.