Numerical analysis and experimental study on slurry diffusion characteristics of vortical oscillatory grouting technology considering soil interface

Based on the fluidic jet theory, this study proposes an effective vortical oscillatory grouting technology. The fluid switching mechanism and pressure pulse characteristics are investigated through numerical simulation and experiment. The slurry diffusion performance of oscillatory grouting is compared with that of steady-pressure grouting under various soil parameters and slurry parameters. The effects of soil interface on diffusion behavior are also studied. The results show that the growth and dissipation of the vortex within the tool generate periodic oscillatory fluid, which further produces pressure pulses. During oscillatory grouting, the pressure recovery process inside the fluidic oscillator reduces the pressure of the soil. With the increase in porosity and particle size, the pressure of the soil grouted by oscillatory pressure is noticeably reduced. Despite the lower pressure of the soil, oscillatory grouting demonstrates better diffusion performance, owing to the dynamic flow field and pressure fluctuation. The performance of oscillatory grouting is also influenced by the oscillatory frequency and pressure pulse amplitude. When the soil interfaces are taken into consideration, different fluid domains exhibit complex slurry diffusion patterns. It is observed that the interface that is perpendicular to the grouting direction has a greater influence on grouting behavior. The oscillatory grouting diffusion behavior is more sensitive to the soil interface. This study is expected to improve grouting efficiency and promote the development of new grouting technology.