Drill Monitoring for Rock Mass Grouting: Case Study at the Stockholm Bypass

Abstract

AbstractIn tunneling, rock mass grouting is a method applied to reduce water ingress. Grouting is influenced by rock mass conditions, especially apertures, frequency, and continuation of fracturing. These rock mass conditions can partly be determined by rock mass classification systems. At the Stockholm bypass, the Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Fracturing Index was applied to characterize the rock mass for grouting purposes, with a focus on adjusting the grout hole drill plan to minimize environmental impact. This study divided the rock mass in a 1.9 km tunnel into six categories based on rock mass conditions, identifying rock mass quality, apparent fracturing, and grout consumption. These categories were then compared with the mean fracturing index based on the coefficients of penetration rate and rotation pressure variations, as well as grout consumption at each grout umbrella. The fracturing index was 93% successful in assessing favorable and unfavorable rock mass conditions in the studied tunnel and 85% successful in determining grout consumption. Finally, a conceptual method was developed to reduce the grouting activities using the MWD fracturing index and water loss tests. The introduction of this conceptual method for grouting decisions could potentially reduce 59% of the umbrellas found in the case study.