Optimization of Thixotropic Slurry Ratio and Drag Reduction Effect Test for Circular Pipe-Jacking Construction in Pebble Stratum.

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Title: Optimization of Thixotropic Slurry Ratio and Drag Reduction Effect Test for Circular Pipe-Jacking Construction in Pebble Stratum.
Authors: Wang, Yongzhi1 (AUTHOR), Chen, Rui1,2 (AUTHOR), Wang, Anming1,2 (AUTHOR) wam992001@163.com, Chen, Wenli2 (AUTHOR), Ren, Zeyu2 (AUTHOR), Li, Xiaogen2 (AUTHOR), Liu, Pinghui2 (AUTHOR)
Source: Materials (1996-1944). Mar2026, Vol. 19 Issue 6, p1148. 19p.
Subjects: Bentonite, Slurry, Pebbles, Friction velocity, Fluid mechanics, Trenchless construction
Geographic Terms: China
Abstract: Highlights: What are the main findings? The optimal thixotropic slurry materials and  mix proportions  (including bentonite, shell powder, etc.) applicable to pipe-jacking construction in pebble strata were established. The porous structure of shell powder significantly enhances the slurry's sealing performance and stratum stability. The optimized slurry can reduce the soil friction coefficient by about 35.6%, effectively addressing the issue of high jacking resistance. What are the implications of the main findings? An economical and efficient slurry optimization scheme is proposed, utilizing conventional materials such as shell powder, facilitating widespread application. It simultaneously addresses challenges in pebble–gravel strata, including high friction, slurry leakage, and stratum instability. It provides a successful case for the design of "site-specific slurry" in complex strata, promoting the development of refined construction technologies. Circular pipe-jacking construction in gravel strata faces significant technical challenges, including high frictional resistance, elevated permeability, and susceptibility to collapse. Optimizing the formulation of thixotropic slurry is crucial for improving the construction quality and efficiency of such projects. This study, based on the Ruyang Water Supply Project of the North Main Canal in the Qianping Irrigation Area, Henan Province, China, systematically investigated slurry formulation using bentonite, soda ash, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyacrylamide (PAM), and shell powder as raw materials. An orthogonal experimental design was employed to optimize the mix proportions, and the friction-reduction performance was validated through drag-friction model tests. The results indicate that the optimal slurry formulation is: bentonite 8%, soda ash 0.3%, CMC 0.2%, PAM 0.15%, shell powder 4%, and water 87.35%. This formulation exhibits excellent fluidity and thixotropy, facilitating the formation of a stable slurry film. Consequently, the friction coefficient between concrete specimens and gravel soil was reduced by 35.6%. The inclusion of shell powder significantly enhanced the slurry's cohesiveness and improved the anti-seepage capacity of the surrounding stratum due to its filling effect. The optimized thixotropic slurry effectively mitigates frictional resistance during pipe jacking in gravel strata and enhances the formation's resistance to collapse. The findings of this study provide a viable technical reference for pipe-jacking projects under similar geological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:Highlights: What are the main findings? The optimal thixotropic slurry materials and  mix proportions  (including bentonite, shell powder, etc.) applicable to pipe-jacking construction in pebble strata were established. The porous structure of shell powder significantly enhances the slurry's sealing performance and stratum stability. The optimized slurry can reduce the soil friction coefficient by about 35.6%, effectively addressing the issue of high jacking resistance. What are the implications of the main findings? An economical and efficient slurry optimization scheme is proposed, utilizing conventional materials such as shell powder, facilitating widespread application. It simultaneously addresses challenges in pebble–gravel strata, including high friction, slurry leakage, and stratum instability. It provides a successful case for the design of "site-specific slurry" in complex strata, promoting the development of refined construction technologies. Circular pipe-jacking construction in gravel strata faces significant technical challenges, including high frictional resistance, elevated permeability, and susceptibility to collapse. Optimizing the formulation of thixotropic slurry is crucial for improving the construction quality and efficiency of such projects. This study, based on the Ruyang Water Supply Project of the North Main Canal in the Qianping Irrigation Area, Henan Province, China, systematically investigated slurry formulation using bentonite, soda ash, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyacrylamide (PAM), and shell powder as raw materials. An orthogonal experimental design was employed to optimize the mix proportions, and the friction-reduction performance was validated through drag-friction model tests. The results indicate that the optimal slurry formulation is: bentonite 8%, soda ash 0.3%, CMC 0.2%, PAM 0.15%, shell powder 4%, and water 87.35%. This formulation exhibits excellent fluidity and thixotropy, facilitating the formation of a stable slurry film. Consequently, the friction coefficient between concrete specimens and gravel soil was reduced by 35.6%. The inclusion of shell powder significantly enhanced the slurry's cohesiveness and improved the anti-seepage capacity of the surrounding stratum due to its filling effect. The optimized thixotropic slurry effectively mitigates frictional resistance during pipe jacking in gravel strata and enhances the formation's resistance to collapse. The findings of this study provide a viable technical reference for pipe-jacking projects under similar geological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:19961944
DOI:10.3390/ma19061148