The effect of different curing temperatures on engineering properties of chemically grouted sands

In this experimental study, the effect of curing temperature on the engineering properties of sand samples grouted with sodium silicate-glyoxal was investigated. The experiments were started with determination of the gelation times, viscosities and syneresis percentages of the blends prepared for injection, after which the injection experiments were then carried out at the determined mixing ratios. Grouted specimens were subjected to unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and permeability tests being kept at different curing temperatures (+10 °C, +20 °C and +30 °C) in the curing tank. As the temperature was increased, the viscosity values and gelling times decreased, while the syneresis percentages increased. The UCS of the grouted samples decreased with time. This decrease was observed to slow down in the samples kept at +10°C after the 56th day, while the same was on 28th day in those kept at +20°C and on 7th day for those kept at +30 °C. Also, UCS values decreased with the increasing temperature. The permeability values of the grouted samples decreased with time. This decrease has been observed to slow down after the 28th day. The increase in temperature reduced the permeability values.