A model of cement grout flow in a fracture network system

Understanding the mechanism of cement grout flow in fractured rocks is essential for controlling seepage in the construction of hydraulic projects. However, simulating grouting in fractured rocks is complex due to random fracture distribution and non-Newtonian grout flow. This study proposes a numerical model for simulating cement grout flow, considering the hydro-mechanical coupled process in a three-dimensional fracture network system based on the unified pipe-network method. A pipe-network equivalence method is used to derive equivalent pipes for the process of grouting displacement, and the flow field can be solved in unified pipe networks. The hydro-mechanical coupled process is achieved by incorporating an analytical solution for the stress distribution of the center borehole model on an infinitely large plane and a constitutive model for the estimation of the fracture aperture. The time-varying property of the cement grout flow is also considered in the simulation of grouting. The reliability of the numerical model is verified by comparing with analytical solutions for grout flow in a water-saturated fracture. Grouting experiments in fracture networks are also performed to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The influence of various factors on the propagation of cement grout is further investigated in three-dimensional fracture network models.