Investigation of using nano-silica, fly ash, and perlite powder in cementitious mixtures for grouting columns

In the field of civil engineering, studies aimed at enhancing the sustainability potential of construction materials have gained significant importance in recent years. In this context, the utilization of waste and innovative materials in construction applications has become a research focus for reducing harmful environmental impacts and improving resource efficiency. Within the scope of this thesis, the applicability of sustainable material uses in grouting technology, one of the ground improvement methods, has been evaluated. Experimental investigations were carried out on cement-based grout mixtures used in the production of grouting columns, focusing on the effects of adding nano-silica, fly ash, and perlite powder to the cement in specific proportions. The effects of nano-silica and fly ash were particularly examined in compaction grouting applications, while the influence of perlite powder was investigated in general grouting practices. The experimental studies assessed the rheological, fluidity, and mechanical properties of the cementitious grout mixtures. The experimental program included tests such as shear stress, apparent viscosity, yield stress, and plastic viscosity for rheological evaluation; mini slump, the Marsh funnel, bleeding, and setting time for fluidity assessment; and density, UCS, and UPV for mechanical characterization. The findings indicated that the use of these sustainable additive materials in cementitious grouting mixtures is feasible and that they generally have a positive effect on grout performance.