I BULLETIN ofde the International Association of ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

I'Association Internationale de GEOLOGEE DE L'INGI~NIEUR

N~ 26-27 PARIS 1983 I

HYDROGEOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL IN S I T U I N V E S T I G A T I O N S FOR THE

ASSESSMENT OF GROUTING MEASURES

ESSAIS HYDROGEOLOGIQUES ET DE GEOLOGIE DE L'INGENIEUR POUR DETERMINER L'INJEC-

TABILITE

BLINDE A.*, HOTZL** H., METZLER** F.

Summary
By means of hydrogeotogical and engineering geological in situ investigations in three differently loosened granite deposits
those parameters have been determined which permit the assessment of the groutability. For that purpose fabric-statistical
procedures, including bore-liole soundings, and joint tracing have been performed. The resulting information about the direc-
tions of preferential water passages considerably supplements the global values of the water absorption capacity obtained by
water pressure tests (LUGEON). In long term packer tests, the erosion phenomena of joint fillings could be detected as struc-
tural-specific characteristics. The technical performance of grouting experiments of bentonite-stabilized cement suspensions
has been adapted to existing subsoil conditions.

R6sum6

A l'aide d'essais in situ hydrogdologiques et de gdologie de l'ingdnieur, on a d6termin6 dans trois gisements de granite diff6-
remment alt6r6 les param~tres qui permettent de porter un jugement sur l'injectabilit6 de ces roches. Les m6thodes appliqu6es
& cette fin comprenaient des mesures statistiques (structurales), y compris les sondages optiques dans les forages, ainsi que
des marquages de fissures par de l'eau color6e. Les informations ainsi obtenues sur les directions pr6f~rentieUes d'6coulement
de l'eau ont compl6t6 les valeurs globales obtenues darts les essais d'injection (LUGEON). C'est darts les essais de raise en charge
,it
9 long terme qu'il a 6t6 possible de discerner le phdnom6ne d'~rosion du remplissage des fissures, comme ~tant un caractere
structural sp6cifique.
La procedure technique des injections qui seront faites par la suite & l'aide de couLis de ciment stabilis~ avec de la bentonite a
6t6 adapt6e aux conditions sous-sol.

1. I n t r o d u c t i o n granite deposit is exposed. The third test field represents

In subsoil exploration the determination of the permeabi-
lity behaviour of the rocks concerned is an essential task
for engineering geology, particularly with respect to plan-
ned engineering constructions. Rock permeability is of
decisive significance in cases where hydraulic constructions,
for example dams, are projected, i.e. when circulations
need to be detected and reduced or prevented as far as
possible by means of grouting measures. In many cases it
is even necessary to stabilize the subsoil by means of injec-
tions and thus to increase the mechanical strength of the
rock mass.
Within the scope of a research program, a partial program
of which concerns the problem of improvement of disag-
gregated granites in the transition range between solid
and loose rock, hydrogeological and engineering geological
in situ investigations have been carried out in order to
permit the characterization of permeability properties with
respect to future sealing measures.
The investigated area is situated in an Upper Carboniferous
granite complex of the Middle Black Forest in Southwest
Germany. Three test areas have been selected for the
experiments. The first test site is a relatively wide-jointed
and unweathered granite, in the second a closely intersected
the highest degree of loosening up to granite grus.
Here we would like to thank the German Research Council
(DFG), whose financial support made the realization of
these investigations possible.
2. I n S i t u I n v e s t i g a t i o n M e t h o d s
2.1. Fabric Statistics
In order to determine the characteristics of rock loosening
and permeability properties, a detailed survey of the exist-
ing structural constituents was made for the three different
test areas. Here, not only strike and dip directions, joint
spacing of the individual joint sets, and the degree of sepa-
ration were registered, but particular attention was given
to the description of the joint planes, types and distribution
of joint covers and to joint f'filings. In some cases also the
asperity o f the joints could be determined. The dimensions
of the width of joints measured in the superficial zone
could not be registered representatively because of rock
loosening caused by blasting operations or relaxation
procedures. However it was possible to indicate, by means
of an optical probe (EASTMAN) and a special measuring
arrangement, more precise values of the width of joints

* Institute of Soil and Rock Mechanics, University of Karlsrube (R.F.A.).

** Department of Applied Geology, University of KarlsruhejKaiserstrasse 12, D - 7500 Karlsruhe R.F.A.
 362
Fig. 1 : Photograped section of an open joint in the bore hole.
Circular diameter ----2.5 cm.
(fig. 1). In addition, optical sounding confirmed the infor-
mation about joint properties, which had been obtained
above ground.
2.2. Joint Tracing
Knowledge about the subterranean water passages is of
decisive significance for grouting measures. In order to
mark those joints which are actually used by water, joint
tracing experiments (H6tzl et al., 1982) have been carried
out by applying highly adsorptive dyes (rhodamine, methy-
lene blue and Astra diamond-green). The dyes, dissolved in
water,.were injected at a constant pressure head into bore-
holes where they infiltrated the rocks. On adjacent rock
wails or after exposure of tracer-affected rock zones (for
example exposed within the scope of the construction
activities) the marked joints can be mapped and analysed
directionally because of the typical colouring of the joint
planes. On the basis of the actually marked joints within
the individual joint sets it is then possible to detect and
define the hydraulically active rock masses. Such an assess-
ment can also be achieved on blasted material by means
of statistical analysis of dyed fragments, although only
in cases when it is a definitely identified joint system pro-
viding a maximum of three principal directions of fissures.
2.3. Water Pressure Tests
In connection with injection measures to be carried out
within the range of dam construction, in international
practice the results of permeability tests according to
Lugeon (1933) are mainly referred to. The water pressure
tests performed within the scope of the present research
program were realized under particular consideration of
the latest methodological knowledge obtained e.g. by
Ewert (1979 and 1981), Heitfeld (1979) and Heitfeld &
Krapp (1981).
In order to detect the modifications of the watertable
within the test areas during packer tests, circular gauge
drillings were sunk around the individual grouting holes
(diameter 76 mm).
Thus the relevant propagation area and the possibly active
permeability anisotropy of the water could be detected
by means of gauge level modifications. Simultaneously
geoelectric self-potential measurements were carded out
in addition, which will be specified in another contribution
to this symposium (Blinde et al., 1983 b).
In the water pressure tests performed with an electronic
test device (Comdrill system), the injection pressure was
measured directly in the test section with a piezoresistive
pressure gauge, and was then transmitted to a recorder.
Within the pressure pipe system a second pressure gauge
was installed and the measuring results were registered
synchronously in order to determine later the possible
frictional losses. On the third track of the recorder the
corresponding flow quantities were registered synchronous-
ly with a constant paper advance of 1 cm/min. The packer
tests were performed in steps of 0.8 m, 1 m or 2 m from
bottom to top. Pneumatically extendable hose packers of
1 m length were ~ased. Direct packer circulation could not
be observed in the single packer tests mainly performed.
The water pressure tests have been carried out in view of
the stationary behaviour o f joint flow and long-term
effects (Blinde etal., 1981, H6tzl et al., 1981) with increas-
ing and decreasing pressure steps using a shockless working
Mohno pump.
2.4. Grouting Experiments
The experimental grouting measures, following the packer
tests, mainly served a comparative purpose with regard to
the results obtained in hydrogeological and engineering
geological investigations. Moreover the intention was to
follow up at the surface questions of the spread of different
cement mixtures, the degree o f joint filling and the geome-
try of the grouted fissures, on the basis of subsequent
mapping of exposed areas of grouted rocks.
The grouting experiments were carried out on the analogy
of water pressure tests, i.e. with single packer in steps
from bottom to top by means of a variable adjustable
Mohno pump. The grouting pressure was measured electro-
nically within the test section. In addition, pressure was
measured at the top of the packer. The pressure data
obtained were registered and processed by the recorder
of the packer test device. The quantity measurements were
carried out by an automatic dosage reservoir and a magnetic
inductive flow meter. The water/cement mixtures were
prepared in a colloid mixer (C-Mix). Cement mixtures with
W/Z factors of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 2.0, each with the addition
of 3 per cent bentonite, were applied. In all grouting tests
an oil shale cement (OZ 45 F) providing a Blaine index
of 6047 (+ 124) c m z / g and a grinding size of R = 0.09 mm
was used. The rheological parameters of the individual
cement mixtures and the sedimenting behaviour were pre-
viously determined under laboratory conditions.
3. Results
On the basis of the analytical results of fabric-statistical
surface mapping and on optical borehole soudings, the
three investigated granite deposits could be classified accor-
ding to their degree of mechanical loosening. The statistical
evaluation of the observed oxidative joint coatings (limo-
nite, manganese and haematite) were only found on those
particular directions of fissures which acted as preferential
water paths in joint tracing. Consequently the hydraulically
active principal fissure directions, which are relevant for
grouting tests, could be delineated more precisely. The
observed dimensions of width of joints ranged between 0.1
and 2.5 mm and were thus appropriate for cement grouting.
The Lugeon values, found in the water pressure tests, indi-
cating the water intake capacity in the individual test
 363

sections, permitted an additional classification of the rock
loosening of the investigated granite types with respect to
pressure-dependent water absorption (Blinde et al., 1983 a).
a) The relatively wide-jointed and unweathered first granite
type showed heterogeneous LUGEON values, due to indi-
vidual, hydraulically particularly active joints with larger
widths of joints.
b) The second granite type, characterised by a higher joint
density and reduced widths (0.1 - 0.5 ram) presented a
slightly more homogeneous distribution of the LUGEON
values.
c) For the third granite type an almost homogeneous
distribution of water absorption across the whole tested
area was found. Due to weathering processes the joint
pattern was almost completely removed. Besides this, the
influence of granular disintegration zones and a myloni-
tised fault were found to be relevant factors for local
derivations of the LUGEON values.
In this connection the classification of the three investi-
gated rock deposits with respect to the delineation of
homogenous areas is a question of scale.
Due to increased water pressure and the resulting discharge
of water, in about 50 per cent of the 128 packer tests, the
three test areas showed erosional processes of fine-grained
filling occurring in joint systems. This high percentage of
erosional processes observed here has to be regarded as a
special feature of the superficial zone providing an increa-
sed quantity of joint illuviation.
Flushing out of suspended matter occurring at observation
boreholes and at ground level, were obvious indications of
this phenomenon. The erosional processes were distincti-
vely documented in the pressure/quantity diagrams by
continuous data acquisition. The example of fig. 2 illus-
trates the pressure/quantity course and the level modifi-
cation graph of a 3-hours injection test, during which an
erosional process of approximately 60 minutes occurred.
Due to the increase of water level during the water pressure
test, water begins to rise above the packer after a certain
period of time. Besides this two other gauges also respon-
ded with water level modifications.
Fig. 3 illustrates the pressure/quantity relation (correspond-
ing to fig. 2) of eight different stationary flow phases.
The analysis of these stationary phases shows good linearity
and reproducibility of the pressure/quantity relations
after the erosional process is terminated.

50

+i_
IO0

~s0

E~

-250

3130
1t 28
l 26
13
r"
I I IL E
~,. 11 I 22 "
! J
l Z0 "~
10 I
!
18
II i I t
81 lg
|
i
L___~ It.

12
;t
5 i 10
~J

,L
l
/. ~t 8

2
/.---r 6

1 2
o / 123o 13o~ 133o 1400
\0
11'm 120o
Time t

Fig. 2 : Water level changes and p r e s s u r e / q u a n t i t y relation of water a b s o r p t i o n in a packer test.

 364

26
When compared with joint mapping and dye tracing, the
results of the directional-statistical analysis of level diffe-
Steady flow condition rence measurements indicate identical propagation direc-

S
2L after Ior~jer test time
r- tions. By means of the geoelectrical self-potential measure-
E ments it is possible to distinguish preferential principal
-.. 22
fissure directions.
-I- / Geodetic measurements, which were carried out in parallel
-.~ 20
to the packer tests, did not show any significant deforma-
1:3"

18
/ tion of the affected rocks, although in some cases high
pressures were applied at low depths.
16
/ The results of the grouting experiments carried out on the

It.
/ first granite type show, with a few exceptions, in the indi-
vidual injection section cement absorption proportional to
! the water pressure test results.
12

10

6
/ //
Because of several outflows at the surface, the initial W/Z
factor of 2.0 had to be reduced to 0.6 in order to stop
this discharge. Fig. 4 illustrates the joint mapping resulting
from optical sounding and the packer tests. The maximum
grouting pressures are indicated.
In the grouting tests performed in granite type 2, the initial
W/Z factor was 2.0 ; however, after a short time the factor
had to be reduced to 1.0 because numerous superficial
t, outflows were observed. By this reduction the discharge
,:w condition ot could be stopped. Due to existing joint contacts also the
2
~ ------ test eg zone above the bottom section was filled with cement.
Consequently no absorption was achieved in the subse-
0o
quent injection sections. In general a lower degree of ab-
1 2 3 A 5
sorption was observed in this narrow-jointed type (compa-
P l s t )11mrl red with the absorption found in the first test area), seen in
relation to the corresponding total length of the grout hole.
Fig. 3 : Pressure/quantity relation at different phases of water
injection.
~ t e r consumptlon Cement Grouhng pressure
-= [ l / m i n . m at lobar] I ~ I- [bar]

Joints ~o = o o ~ too o2~68~ot2

h [ L 1 I I ---J I I J / / / 1 / / /

~' 0,00 m
V
O-
/

s
e e

~
~L
,'-L
LL

L
-_L L
I
NO
measurement -1

0.0
I
-k
I 57,71 /.,71 bor

3-

/.- 0,0 19.72 bar - &

5- -5 0.0

6- 0,0 112.72 bar - 6

/.
\-
?. -?

-L
Fig. 4: Results or cement grouting
compared to Lugeon values and optical -- 8- 1.1/11.72 I~r - B 1.6
E -L
sounding.
.c End
.= ;s_c.
0
9 -9
L 9 Limoni te
 365
The third, partly heavily weathered granite deposit, howe-
ver, showed in almost all injection sections a regular cement
acceptance without provoking propagation of the suspen-
sion into superimposed areas. Although mixtures with a
W/Z factor of 2.0 were applied exclusively, no superficial
outlets were observed, even though the grouting pressures
ranged 1 to 2 bar above the pressures applied in the pre-
vious packer tests. These increased pressures were required,
because no absorption occured when the maximum injec-
tion pressures (from packer tests) were used. In both the
other test areas cement absorption was observed by apply-
ing maximum injection pressures from packer tests. Accom-
partying geodetic measurements did not indicate any signi-
ficant rock deformation. This had also been observed in the
previously performed WD tests.
The analysis of exposed grouted areas of test area 1 showed
a definite relation of the joints filled with cement to the
permeable joint system. The mean joint width of the most
frequently affected principal fissure direction is 2.0 mm
and shows a total filling of the joint cavity in the observed
areas. The radial extent of cement grout propagation
around the grout hole lies between 150 and 2.00 m. ltowe-
ver, in one case a principal joint Idled with cement could
be mapped at a radial distance of about 9 m.
After grouting secondary joints affected only slightly by
joint tracing showed only thin cement cover. By means
of the different coloured cement suspensions the fillings
could be attributed to the various W/Z factors.
Seismic measurements (Blinde et al., 1982 a) additionally
confirmed the filling of the permeable joints and indicate
a mechanical rock stabilization by a notable increase of
p-wave velocity. Core drilling and control water pressure
tests in the investigated exposures provide additional
information about the propagation behaviour of the applied
cement mixtures and about the success of the sealing mea-
sures.
4. C o n c l u s i o n s
Water pressure tests and grouting experiments in boreholes
are important foundation investigation techniques, which
are particularly important for dam constructions on jointed
rocks. Packer tests provide general, non-directional, pres-
sure-dependent water absorption values. Grouting experi-
ments give information about the respective cement absorp-
tion in the individual injection sections.
However, detailed data about type and pattern of rock
loosening and direction-dependent permeability are requi-
red in order to gain useful assessments of grouting measures.
When these data are known, not only the extent of the ne-
cessary underground improvements, but also the type of
these measures can be concluded.
The performance of combined hydrogeological and engi-
neering geological investigation methods described shows
that a representative classification of the relevant rock
properties with respect to their significance for grouting
measures is possible.
5. R e f e r e n c e s
BLINDE A., IlOTZL ll., KOENZEN J.P. and METZLER F. (1981):
Quantifizierung yon Durchl//ssigkeitseigenschaften aufgelo-
ckerter Granite. BeE 3. Nat. Tag. lng.-Geol., 109-118,
Ansbach.
BLINDE A., HOTZL H. KOENZEN J.P., MERKLER G.P. and
METZLER F. (1983a): Assessment of the Groutability of
Disintegrated Granites by Means of Itydrogeological, Engi-
neering Geological and Geophysical Field Investigations.
Proc. 5th Int. Congress on Rock Mechanis, Melbourne.
10th- 15thApril.
BLINDE A., IIOTZL H. and MERKLER G.P. (1983b): Determi-
nation of the Disaggregation Anisotropy by Means of Engi-
neering Geophysical Investigation Methods. Int. Sympo-
sium Soil and Rock Investigation by in-situ Testing, Paris,
18th - 20th May.
EWFRT F.K. (1979): Untersuchungen zu Felsinjektionen, Teil 1.
Mtinster. Forsch. Geol. Pal//ont., (49), 191 pp. Mtinster.
EWERT F.K. (1981): Untersuchungen zu Felsinjektionen, Teil 2.
Miinster, Forsch. Geol. Pal~ont., (53) 326 pp. Miinster.
HEITFELD K./-I. (1979): Durchl~ssigkeitsuntersuchungen im
Festgestein mittels WD-Testen. Mitt. Ing.-und Hydogeol.,
(9), 175-218, Aachen.
HEITFELD K.H. and KRAPP L. (1981): The Problem of Water
Permeability in Dam Geology. Bull. IAEG, (23), 79 - 83,
Krefeld.
tIOTZL H., KOENZEN J.P., MERKLER G.P., METZLER F. and.
ROTtlENGA'VI'ER p. (1981): Hydrogeologische Untersu-
chungen zur Kennzeichnung der Durchlalssigkeit yon kliif-
tigen Festgesteinen. Ver6ff. des Inst. Boden. u. Felsme-
chanik, (87), 143 - 179, Universitalt Karlsruhe.
HOTZL H., METZLER F. and ROTHENGATTER P. (1982): Die
Kluftmarkierung - Eine Anwendung der Markierungstechnik
zur Ermittlung yon Durehl/issigkeitseigenschaften kliiftiger
Gesteine. Beitr. z. Geologic der Schweiz - Hydrologic, (28 II),
381 - 393, Bern.
LUGEON M. (1933): Barrages et G6ologie. Paris (Dunod).