Review on Experimental Investigation on Permeability control in Contact Grouting Using Crystalline Admixture For Tunneling Application
Keywords:
Crystalline admixture (CA), contact grouting, permeability control, tunnel waterproofing, self-healing concrete.Abstract
The control of permeability in contact grouting plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term stability and durability of underground structures, particularly in tunneling applications. This review focuses on the experimental investigations conducted on the use of crystalline admixtures (CA) in cementitious grouts to enhance impermeability and self-sealing capacity. Crystalline admixtures chemically react with moisture and unhydrated cement particles to form insoluble needle-like crystals within the pore structure, thereby blocking capillary pathways and reducing water permeability. The study evaluates various parameters influencing the grout performance, such as water–cement ratio, dosage of crystalline admixture, curing conditions, and pressure grouting techniques. Laboratory-based permeability tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and microstructural analyses are reviewed to understand the mechanisms of crystal formation and pore filling. The results from different investigations indicate that the inclusion of crystalline admixtures significantly decreases permeability, improves durability, and enhances the self-healing capacity of the grout matrix. This review concludes that crystalline admixture–modified contact grouting is a promising approach for tunnel waterproofing and ground stabilization, offering sustainable and cost-effective solutions for modern tunneling projects.
References
Ammar, M. A., Chegenizadeh, A., Budihardjo, M. A., & Nikraz, H. (2024). The Effects of Crystalline Admixtures on Concrete Permeability and Compressive Strength: A Review. Buildings, 14(9), 3000.
Wang, M., Yang, X., Zheng, K., & Chen, R. (2024). Properties and microstructure of a cement-based capillary crystalline waterproofing grouting material. Buildings, 14(5), 1439.
Dong, S., Zhang, X., Yang, Q., Xun, W., Zhao, J., & Wang, K. (2024). Development and characteristic research on new thermal insulation and anti-permeability grouting material for tunnels in cold regions. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 18880.
Yang, X., Zheng, K., Xu, L., & Liu, N. (2020). Properties and applications of a new chemical grouting material. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2020(1), 7191354.
Tan, K., Zhang, T., Zhu, W., Yang, D., Lin, D., Wang, H., ... & Yu, Q. (2024). Innovative high-strength, high-permeability concrete for large-scale applications in permeable subgrade of highway tunnel. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 20, e02977.
Liu, S., Zhang, X., & Zhang, B. (2025). Crystallization blockage in highway tunnel drainage system based on molecular dynamics. AIP Advances, 15(3).
Zamanian, M., Payan, M., Salimi, M., Qahremani, F., Arabani, M., & Shalchian, M. M. (2025). Comparative efficacy of grouting and mixing methods for stabilizing collapsible soils with nano-clay and cement. Case Studies in Construction Materials, e05159.
Liu, H., Chen, S., & Sun, J. Study on the Modification of Inert Grout for Shield Tunnel with Composite Admixtures. Available at SSRN 4594051.
Hao, J., Zhou, Z., & Zhang, L. (2025). Optimisation and mechanism of steel slag–cement based grouting for water ingress control. Case Studies in Construction Materials, e05211.
Li, H., Zhou, A., Wu, Y., Deng, L., Zhu, K., & Lu, F. (2023). Research and development of self-waterproofing concrete for tunnel lining structure and its impermeability and crack resistance characteristics. Materials, 16(16), 5557.
Niu, J., Sun, Y., Wang, B., Zhang, K., Huang, Y., Huang, S., ... & Qiu, L. (2020). Grouting treatment of water and mud inrush in fully weathered granite tunnel: a case study. Geofluids, 2020(1), 8838769.
Wannenmacher, H., Entfellner, M., & Hauer, H. (2022). Drilling and grouting works for pressurised groundwater conditions of the semmering base tunnel. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 40(9), 4377-4391.
Liu, X., Sun, J., Liu, B., Kang, Y., Tian, Y., Zhou, Y., & Liu, Q. (2025). Grouting Flow in Deep Fractured Rock: A State-of-the-Art Review of Theory and Practice. Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, 21(8).
Jiang, B., Wu, M., Wu, S., Zheng, A., & He, S. (2023). A review on development of industrial solid waste in tunnel grouting materials: Feasibility, performance, and prospects. Materials, 16(21), 6848.
Pelz, U., & Karlovšek, J. (2023). Spray-applied waterproofing membranes in tunnelling: A construction perspective. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 142, 105409.
Downloads
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
