Development of the first Detectable Permeation Grouting System (DETECTAGROUT)

Completed

Nuclear Fission and Fusion(Nuclear Fission, Other nuclear fission)
Not Energy Related

Applied Research and Development

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
BAM Nuttall Ltd

Collaborative Research & Development

Innovate UK

01 July 2015

30 June 2018

36 months

£431,090

South East

Competition Call: 1403_CRD2_ENE_GEN_DCNS - Developing the civil nuclear supply chain CRD. Activity Developing the civil nuclear supply chain ( CR&D)

Project Contact, BAM Nuttall Ltd

Project Contact, Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde

Civil engineers inject cement grouts into the ground for a wide range of applications including ground strengthening and the creation of underground barriers to contain pollutants in rocks and soils. At present, it is not possible to detect where grouts go in the ground. This can result in too much grout being injected (to be on the safe side), drilling of unnecessary injection holes and a lack of data for design. In some circumstances, gaps in grouted underground barriers may remain unknown. This is of particular concern where hydraulic containment is key to safety. This project aims to develop the world's first detectable grouting technology (DETECTAGROUT). We will introduce specialist additives to cementitious grouts. These additives will then enable the grout to be detected using geophysical methods. We will develop a numerical model to accurately predict the 3D shape of the grouted rock volume as it evolves, using methods similar to those used to interpret medical scans in hospitals e.g. MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging. Cement production contributes ~5% of annual global CO2 emissions. DETECTAGROUT could help to lower cement usage and therefore reduce CO2 emissions. reducingatmospheric carbon emissions. Additionally This new detectable grouting system will enable a reduction in cement usage, resulting in a positive reduction of carbon emissions .Civil engineers inject cement grouts into the ground for a wide range of applications including ground strengthening and the creation of underground barriers to contain pollutants in rocks and soils. At present, it is not possible to detect where grouts go in the ground. This can result in too much grout being injected (to be on the safe side), drilling of unnecessary injection holes and a lack of data for design. In some circumstances, gaps in grouted underground barriers may remain unknown. This is of particular concern where hydraulic containment is key to safety. This project aims to develop the world's first detectable grouting technology (DETECTAGROUT). We will introduce specialist additives to cementitious grouts. These additives will then enable the grout to be detected using geophysical methods. We will develop a numerical model to accurately predict the 3D shape of the grouted rock volume as it evolves, using methods similar to those used to interpret medical scans in hospitals e.g. MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging. Cement production contributes ~5% of annual global CO2 emissions. DETECTAGROUT could help to lower cement usage and therefore reduce CO2 emissions. reducingatmospheric carbon emissions. Additionally This new detectable grouting system will enable a reduction in cement usage, resulting in a positive reduction of carbon emissions .

22/01/16