Grouting is used to consolidate abandoned mine workings, sewers, adits and solution features. It can also improve reduce settlement and improve the bearing capacity of granular materials, as well as for groundwater control.
Grout is injected through pipes drilled into soil and rock across the area to be treated. The depth and number of grouting pipes, as well as the type of grout used – cement, cement bentonite or chemical grout – is dictated by ground conditions.
Grouting is carried out from the maximum treatment depth in ‘lifts’, with grouting progressing towards the ground surface. Once set, the grout reduces permeability and increases bearing capacity by compacting the surrounding ground.
Van Elle operates a modern, computer-controlled fleet of drill rigs on both tracks and tyres, ranging from 1.5 to 15 tonnes. The fleet has the capability to drill boreholes from 50mm to 300mm diameter and utilising high capacity specialist grout pumps can carry out grouting works efficiently and cost effectively.