GROUTING A SAND DAM

The article describes how a dam in Michigan was able to withstand the worst flood in years because only weeks earlier, 3,700 cu ft of grout was used to fill 124 voids in the sand embankment. The project combined some sleuthing with state-of-the-art geophysical investigation and monitoring. Geophysical methods were used to provide a better, more complete picture of voided areas and subsurface conditions at a fraction of the cost and time needed for conventional drilling. Preliminary tests indicated that ground penetrating radar (GPR) was the most useful technique for locating voids. The accuracy of GPR measurements was evaluated. A comprehensive GPR monitoring program was then performed on the crest and down stream slope, locating 266 anomalies. The voids were grouted at very low pressures with a weak grout mixture. A plasticizer was added to make it easier for the grout to flow into the irregular shaped voids. The tremie technique was used to grout the individual voids.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/10480594
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • SILVER, M L
  • Fisk, P S
  • GREENMAN, A L
• Publication Date: 1986-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 34-36
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Volume: 56
  • Issue Number: 12
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0885-7024
  • Serial URL: http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/newce/html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dams; Embankments; Geological surveying; Ground penetrating radar; Grout; Grouting; Monitoring; Plasticizers; Radar; Sand; Tremie concrete; Void ratios
• Old TRIS Terms: Radar applications; Subsurface explorations; Tremie method; Void
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00460158
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 31 1986 12:00AM