Performance Optimization and Field Validation of Post-Grouting Geopolymer Materials for Pile Foundations: Microstructural Insights and Environmental Durability

To investigate the potential application of geopolymer materials in pile foundation post-grouting engineering, this study utilized industrial solid wastes such as fly ash (FA), slag (SL), and steel slag (SS) to prepare geopolymer grouting materials (GGMs) with various mix proportions. The fluidity,...

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Main Authors: Chongchong He, Zhen Xu, Jing Wang, Pan Li, Yangyang Xia, Chao Zhang, Zhenpeng Chen, Wei He
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Buildings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1121
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author Chongchong He
Zhen Xu
Jing Wang
Pan Li
Yangyang Xia
Chao Zhang
Zhenpeng Chen
Wei He
author_facet Chongchong He
Zhen Xu
Jing Wang
Pan Li
Yangyang Xia
Chao Zhang
Zhenpeng Chen
Wei He
author_sort Chongchong He
collection DOAJ
description To investigate the potential application of geopolymer materials in pile foundation post-grouting engineering, this study utilized industrial solid wastes such as fly ash (FA), slag (SL), and steel slag (SS) to prepare geopolymer grouting materials (GGMs) with various mix proportions. The fluidity, setting time, bleeding rate, and mechanical properties of these materials were evaluated to determine the optimal mix proportions for pile foundation grouting. Furthermore, the influence mechanisms of different maintenance conditions on material performance were investigated, including unconfined compressive strength, flexural strength, and microstructural changes. The results indicated that when the SL-to-FA ratio was 1:1, the GGMs satisfied the requirements for pile foundation grouting, and their mechanical properties significantly improved with extended curing time. Under Yellow River water maintenance conditions, the materials formed a dense three-dimensional network of hydrated products, notably enhancing their mechanical characteristics. Additionally, field tests confirmed that GGMs effectively improved the shear strength of the pile–soil interface. The grout distribution pattern on the pile side exhibited a “compaction-splitting” mechanism. These research findings provide theoretical support for applying geopolymer materials in pile foundation grouting engineering.
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institution DOAJ
issn 2075-5309
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publishDate 2025-03-01
publisher MDPI AG
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series Buildings
spelling doaj-art-e603f5b54cf1415fa29abd3278a2290c2025-08-20T03:06:35ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-03-01157112110.3390/buildings15071121Performance Optimization and Field Validation of Post-Grouting Geopolymer Materials for Pile Foundations: Microstructural Insights and Environmental DurabilityChongchong He0Zhen Xu1Jing Wang2Pan Li3Yangyang Xia4Chao Zhang5Zhenpeng Chen6Wei He7Zhengzhou Transportation Development Investment Group Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou 450000, ChinaGeneral Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Planning and Design, Ministry of Water Resources, Beijing 100120, ChinaYellow River Institute of Hydraulic Research, Yellow River Conservancy Commission, Zhengzhou 450003, ChinaHenan Yellow River Expressway Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou 475002, ChinaSchool of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, ChinaSchool of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, ChinaShanghai Tunnel Engineering Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200032, ChinaZhengzhou Transportation Development Investment Group Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou 450000, ChinaTo investigate the potential application of geopolymer materials in pile foundation post-grouting engineering, this study utilized industrial solid wastes such as fly ash (FA), slag (SL), and steel slag (SS) to prepare geopolymer grouting materials (GGMs) with various mix proportions. The fluidity, setting time, bleeding rate, and mechanical properties of these materials were evaluated to determine the optimal mix proportions for pile foundation grouting. Furthermore, the influence mechanisms of different maintenance conditions on material performance were investigated, including unconfined compressive strength, flexural strength, and microstructural changes. The results indicated that when the SL-to-FA ratio was 1:1, the GGMs satisfied the requirements for pile foundation grouting, and their mechanical properties significantly improved with extended curing time. Under Yellow River water maintenance conditions, the materials formed a dense three-dimensional network of hydrated products, notably enhancing their mechanical characteristics. Additionally, field tests confirmed that GGMs effectively improved the shear strength of the pile–soil interface. The grout distribution pattern on the pile side exhibited a “compaction-splitting” mechanism. These research findings provide theoretical support for applying geopolymer materials in pile foundation grouting engineering.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1121post-grouting pilegeopolymerwater environmentmicroscopic characterizationfield validation
spellingShingle Chongchong He
Zhen Xu
Jing Wang
Pan Li
Yangyang Xia
Chao Zhang
Zhenpeng Chen
Wei He
Performance Optimization and Field Validation of Post-Grouting Geopolymer Materials for Pile Foundations: Microstructural Insights and Environmental Durability
Buildings
post-grouting pile
geopolymer
water environment
microscopic characterization
field validation
title Performance Optimization and Field Validation of Post-Grouting Geopolymer Materials for Pile Foundations: Microstructural Insights and Environmental Durability
title_full Performance Optimization and Field Validation of Post-Grouting Geopolymer Materials for Pile Foundations: Microstructural Insights and Environmental Durability
title_fullStr Performance Optimization and Field Validation of Post-Grouting Geopolymer Materials for Pile Foundations: Microstructural Insights and Environmental Durability
title_full_unstemmed Performance Optimization and Field Validation of Post-Grouting Geopolymer Materials for Pile Foundations: Microstructural Insights and Environmental Durability
title_short Performance Optimization and Field Validation of Post-Grouting Geopolymer Materials for Pile Foundations: Microstructural Insights and Environmental Durability
title_sort performance optimization and field validation of post grouting geopolymer materials for pile foundations microstructural insights and environmental durability
topic post-grouting pile
geopolymer
water environment
microscopic characterization
field validation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1121
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