Simple method to predict ground displacements caused by installing horizontal jet-grouting columns

During the horizontal jet grouting in soft ground, injection of large volumes of water and grout into the soil can lead to significant ground displacements. A simple method is proposed in this paper to predict the ground displacements caused by installing horizontal jet-grouting columns. The process of installing a horizontal column is simplified as the expansion of a cylindrical cavity with a uniform radial stress applied at plastic-elastic interface in a half plane. In this study, the analytical solution is adopted to calculate the deformation induced by the expansion of a cylindrical cavity. Considering the main jetting parameters (jetting pressure of the fluid, flow rate of the fluid, and withdrawal rate of the rod) and the soil properties (stiffness of the surrounding soil), an empirical equation to estimate the radius of plastic zone is developed. Two field tests are carried out in Shanghai, China, to verify the correctness and applicability of the proposed method. Comparisons between the predicted and measured values indicate that the proposed method can provide a reasonable prediction. The proposed simple method can be recommended as a useful tool for the design of ground improvement by means of horizontal jet grouting.