Application of polymer support fluids in the construction of bored piles and diaphragm walls
| Contact: | Dr.-Ing. Henning Lesemann |
| Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Vogt |
Motivation
- Polymer support fluids as an alternative to bentonite suspensions are becoming increasingly popular abroad (especially in the USA and Asia).
- Advantages: Reduction of the critical space requirement for site equipment, especially in inner-city areas, easier mixing and regeneration of the support liquid
- By simplifying the construction process, polymer support fluids are also economically interesting despite high material costs
- Problem: Neither the exact functioning nor the environmental compatibility have been sufficiently clarified at present
Research goals
- Description of the flow behaviour and the support properties of polymer support fluids derived from it
- Consideration of complex rheological properties differing from bentonite suspensions
- Consideration of the ability of some polymer products to form a pressure-transferring membrane and/or to give the polymer-saturated soil a higher cohesion
- Summary of the findings from theory, laboratory and large-scale tests in a practical design concept and application recommendations Documentation of environmental compatibility in order to create a clear basis for the approval of corresponding construction projects
Flow chart
- Laboratory tests on a model slot one-dimensional inflow tests
- Supplementary soil mechanical and chemical investigations
- numerical modelling for the investigation of partial aspects and for the coupling of flow and borehole stability
- Construction of 6 bored piles in the field, test loads and partial uncovering of the concreted piles Environmental impact studies
