The effect of different curing temperatures on the strength of microfine cement grouted sands

Abstract

In this experimental study, the effects of different curing temperatures and curing conditions on the unconfined compressive strength of microfine cement injected sand samples were investigated. The experiments started with determination of the rheological properties of the microfine cement suspensions prepared in different Water/Cement (W/C) ratios. With the increase in the W/C ratio, setting times and bleeding percentage decreased and viscosity values increased. After determination of rheological properties, injection experiments were carried out microfine cement suspensions with W/C ratios of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0. While the injectability was increased with the increase of W/C ratio, it also decreased with the increase of the fine sand content. The samples that were successful in injection were kept in different curing temperatures and conditions. Then, the unconfined compressive strength tests were carried out on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th, 56th and 120th days. The unconfined compressive strengths of the grouted sand samples were increased with time and the rate of increase started to slow down after a certain value. Due to the increase of temperature, the grouted sand samples were gained faster strength. The unconfined compressive strength values of the injected samples increased with increasing temperature. The unconfined compressive strength of the sand samples that were grouted and kept in the air-dried environment was higher than the unconfined compressive strength of the sand samples that were injected and kept in the wet-curing conditions.