An integrated approach to rock grouting

Grouting of rock is a trans-disciplinary and trans-stadial topic. It is trans-disciplinary in the sense that grouting involves defining the geological and hydrogeological conditions and what to achieve at a specific site in relation to e.g. decrease in flow and hydraulic conductivity or maintaining ground water levels. Further, the grouting materials to be used to modify and improve the geological and hydrogeological conditions have to be characterised and have properties in line with both rheological and environmental demands. Hydrogeological conditions and grouting material properties in combination with analytical solutions allow estimates of penetration length, thus facilitating grouting design. Grouting is trans-stadial due to its importance in all stages from early planning to long term maintenance. In all stages, hydrogeological conditions and environmental impact are key issues. For the grouting design and construction a step-wise approach based on the observational method including prediction, observation and action is advantageous considering the uncertainties related to hydrogeological conditions and environmental impact. This paper aims at presenting theoretical development using a number of references and case studies to highlight the importance and usefulness of an integrated and theoretically based approach to grouting