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Our soluble silicates have been used successfully in chemical grouting and other geotechnical applications for many years. Used for soil stabilization and water control during excavation and tunneling projects, silicate grouts offer several advantages:
Reliable, proven performance
Safe and easy application
Environmental acceptance
Versatility for a wide range of performance attributes
There are two ways to set, or harden, liquid sodium silicates for grouting applications. The first way is by lowering the silicate's pH. This causes the SiO2 species to polymerize into a gel. Some setting agents, including those listed below, will hydrolyze over time and form an acid that will set the silicate. By controlling the composition of the setting agent, and therefore the rate of hydrolysis, the gel time of the grout can be tightly controlled. Common organic setting agents include:
ethyl acetate
propylene carbonate
diacetin
dibasic ester
monoacetin
triacetin
The second way to set a silicate grout is by reacting it with soluble metals to form insoluble metal silicates. These grouts have higher strength, low environmental impact, and are lower in cost. Among the inorganic setting agents used for this purpose are:
calcium chloride
bicarbonates
microfine cements
calcium hydroxide
phosphates
aluminates
calcium carbonate
portland cement
pozzolans
Typically, National Silicates' NŽ sodium silicate is used for grouting applications. It is diluted to reduce its viscosity, so that it penetrates soils more easily. The dilution rate should be adjusted according to soil permeability and the strength requirement of the grouted mass. The strength of a silicate-grouted soil is influenced by several factors:
concentration of silicate in the grout formulation
composition and particle size distribution of the soil
selection and amount of hardening agents
chemistry of the surrounding waters
Further Information on grouting applications and formulations is available through National Silicates' Technical Service Group.
Application
Chemical Grouting
Recommended Products
Sodium Silicate Liquids
Recommended Literature
Soluble Silicates in Geotechnical Grouting Applications, Bulletin 52-53 Flyash/Slag Package
Please contact
Technical Service
if you would like assistance in selecting the appropriate
product for these applications or others.
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