Impacts of metakaolin and fly ash on the performance of cement-based grouting materials in anchoring engineering

Authors

CHENG Zhiyuan, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, ChinaFollow
YANG Junpeng, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
XUE Wei, Guangzhou Chemical Grouting Co. Ltd., CAS, Guangzhou 510650, China
WEI Daidong, Guangzhou Chemical Grouting Co. Ltd., CAS, Guangzhou 510650, China
WANG Yimin, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, ChinaFollow

Abstract

Objective The filling of grouting materials plays a significant role in ensuring the performance of anchoring structures. This study aims to further enhance the fluidity of grouting materials, reduce their dry shrinkage in the curing process, and ensure complete filling. This will help improve the bonding property between the anchoring body and the rock and soil mass to be reinforced. Methods Using cement as the primary material, as well as fly ash and metakaolin as admixtures, this study designed and prepared 20 groups of binary and ternary mixtures and one control group. Through tests of the fluidity, bleeding ratios, and mechanical strengths of these mixtures with different mix ratios, this study determined the impacts of metakaolin and fly ash on the performance of cement-based grouting materials. In combination with the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy , this study revealed the mechanisms underlying the regulation of metakaolin and fly ash for the performance of cement-based grouting materials. Finally, this study proposed the optimum mix ratio of grouting materials while considering the fluidity and filling ability of grouts, as well as the load-bearing capacity of the anchoring body.Results and Conclusions With the metakaolin and fly ash contents were controlled at approximately 6% and 15% to 20%, respectively, the resulting grout exhibited a reduced viscosity of 0.16 Pa·s and a reduced bleeding rate of 2% at γ = 100 s^–1 compared to pure cement grout. Furthermore, its compressive strength increased to approximately 30 MPa at day 7 and about 32.7 MPa at day 28. In this case, the cement-based grouting material delivered the optimal overall performance. The XRD and SEM analyses indicate that metakaolin and fly ash exhibited significant synergistic effects when mixed into the ternary mixtures, as evidenced by a faster hydration rate, a more even distribution of hydration products, and a denser microstructure. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for enhancing the performance of cement-based grouting materials by using metakaolin and fly ash as admixtures, offering a valuable reference for the design and applications of grouting materials in anchoring engineering.

Keywords

grouting material, optimum mix ratio, admixture, metakaolin, fly ash, microscopic property

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.03.0214

Recommended Citation

CHENG Zhiyuan, YANG Junpeng, XUE Wei, et al. (2025) "Impacts of metakaolin and fly ash on the performance of cement-based grouting materials in anchoring engineering," Coal Geology & Exploration: Vol. 53: Iss. 6, Article 19.
DOI: 10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.03.0214
Available at: https://cge.researchcommons.org/journal/vol53/iss6/19

Reference

[1] 秦辉，尹小涛，汤华，等. 边坡主动加固设计方法探讨：以挖方边坡为例[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2024，52(11)：86−95.

QIN Hui，YIN Xiaotao，TANG Hua，et al. Design method for active slope reinforcement：A case study of excavated slopes[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2024，52(11)：86−95.

[2] 高丹，岳中文，王鹏，等. 锚固钻孔软弱夹层结构特征智能识别方法[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2024，52(11)：200−210.

GAO Dan，YUE Zhongwen，WANG Peng，et al. A method for intelligent identification of weak interlayer characteristics during the drilling of anchor boreholes[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2024，52(11)：200−210.

[3] BOBET A，EINSTEIN H H. Tunnel reinforcement with rockbolts[J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology，2011，26(1)：100−123.

[4] 谈博海，姚囝，杜键，等. 膨胀型浆体注浆锚杆拉拔力学特性及损伤失效机制研究[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报，2024，43(12)：3058−3069.

TAN Bohai，YAO Nan，DU Jian，et al. Study on mechanical characteristics and damage failure mechanisms of expansion type grouted bolts[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering，2024，43(12)：3058−3069.

[5] 杨晓东. 锚固与注浆技术手册[M]. 北京：中国电力出版社，2010.

[6] 代国忠，王英，金其军. 纤维提高水泥浆液强度及对锚杆承载性能影响的研究[J]. 混凝土，2008(8)：76−78.

DAI Guozhong，WANG Ying，JIN Qijun. Bearing capability influence and increasing cement grouting strength by fiber for anchor[J]. Concrete，2008(8)：76−78.

[7] 曾熙文，王艳芬，赵光明，等. 聚丙烯纤维改性超细水泥复合注浆材料性能研究[J]. 煤炭科学技术，2024，52(7)：57−67.

ZENG Xiwen，WANG Yanfen，ZHAO Guangming，et al. Study on properties of polypropylene fiber–modified ultrafine cement composite grouting materials[J]. Coal Science and Technology，2024，52(7)：57−67.

[8] SELCUK S，AHMETOGLU U，GOKCE E C. Basalt fiber reinforced polymer composites (BFRP) other than rebars：A review[J]. Materials Today Communications，2023，37：107359.

[9] 周蓉，王继茹，张海波. 聚合物改性水泥基材料研究进展[J]. 化工新型材料，2021，49(12)：275−279.

ZHOU Rong，WANG Jiru，ZHANG Haibo. Research development on polymer modified cement based material[J]. New Chemical Materials，2021，49(12)：275−279.

[10] 张跃宏，王晓东，王海，等. 丙烯酰胺改性粉煤灰聚合增韧注浆材料研究[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2024，52(5)：98−106.

ZHANG Yuehong，WANG Xiaodong，WANG Hai，et al. Exploring a fly ash–based grouting material for toughening through in situ polymerization of acrylamide[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2024，52(5)：98−106.

[11] 赵光明，王艳芬，艾洁，等. 矿用水泥基注浆材料的发展及展望[J]. 中国矿业大学学报，2024，53(1)：1−22.

ZHAO Guangming，WANG Yanfen，AI Jie，et al. Development and prospect of cement–based grouting materials for coal mine[J]. Journal of China University of Mining & Technology，2024，53(1)：1−22.

[12] 程思嫄，陈代果，古巍. 氧化石墨烯改性水泥基注浆材料的制备及力学性能研究[J]. 功能材料，2023，54(2)：2153−2158.

CHENG Siyuan，CHEN Daiguo，GU Wei. Preparation and mechanical properties of graphene oxide modified cement–based grouting materials[J]. Journal of Functional Materials，2023，54(2)：2153−2158.

[13] 林家旭，刘健，唐田甜，等. 复合早强剂对大掺量粉煤灰水泥性能的影响[J]. 矿业研究与开发，2021，41(8)：47−51.

LIN Jiaxu，LIU Jian，TANG Tiantian，et al. Effect of composite early–strength agent on the properties of cement with high–volume fly ash[J]. Mining Research and Development，2021，41(8)：47−51.

[14] 崔靖俞，纪曦，季港澳，等. 湿陷性黄土地基粉煤灰–水泥复合注浆材料性能试验研究[J]. 硅酸盐通报，2019，38(9)：3020−3024.

CUI Jingyu，JI Xi，JI Gang’ao，et al. Experimental study on properties of fly ash–cement composite grouting material in collapsible loess foundation[J]. Bulletin of the Chinese Ceramic Society，2019，38(9)：3020−3024.

[15] CHEN Bingjiang，PANG Lufeng，ZHAO Yameng，et al. Effect of activated gold tailings replacing fly ash on the properties of cement–based grouting material[J]. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering，2022，34(5)：04022066.

[16] 罗旌旺，卢都友，许涛，等. 偏高岭土对硅酸盐水泥浆体干燥收缩行为的影响及机理[J]. 硅酸盐学报，2011，39(10)：1687−1693.

LUO Jingwang，LU Duyou，XU Tao，et al. Effect of metakaolin on drying shrinkage behaviour of Portland cement pastes and its mechanism[J]. Journal of the Chinese Ceramic Society，2011，39(10)：1687−1693.

[17] KADRI E H，KENAI S，EZZIANE K，et al. Influence of metakaolin and silica fume on the heat of hydration and compressive strength development of mortar[J]. Applied Clay Science，2011，53(4)：704−708.

[18] SUN Xiaogang，ZHAO Yingliang，TIAN Yansheng，et al. Modification of high–volume fly ash cement with metakaolin for its utilization in cemented paste backfill：The effects of metakaolin content and particle size[J]. Powder Technology，2021，393：539−549.

[19] 代国忠. 预应力锚杆早强型水泥浆液试验研究与锚固机理分析[D]. 长春：吉林大学，2007.

DAI Guozhong. Experimental study of early strong grouting and mechanism analysis for prestress anchor[D]. Changchun：Jilin University，2007.

[20] 段建，言志信，郭锐剑，等. 土层缺陷锚杆锚固特性与参数影响分析[J]. 中南大学学报(自然科学版)，2012，43(8)：3209−3215.

DUAN Jian，YAN Zhixin，GUO Ruijian，et al. Analysis of anchorage characteristics and parameter influence of soil imperfect anchor[J]. Journal of Central South University (Science and Technology)，2012，43(8)：3209−3215.

[21] 中华人民共和国国家质量监督检验检疫总局，中国国家标准化管理委员会. 水泥标准稠度用水量、凝结时间、安定性检验方法：GB/T 1346—2024[S]. 北京：中国标准出版社，2025.

[22] 中华人民共和国交通运输部. 公路工程水泥及水泥混凝土试验规程：JTG 3420—2020[S]. 北京：人民交通出版社，2020.

[23] FENG Kaiwen，XU Zhanjun，ZHANG Weizheng，et al. Rheological properties and early–age microstructure of cement pastes with limestone powder，redispersible polymer powder and cellulose ether[J]. Materials，2022，15(9)：3159.

[24] QIU Xin，CHEN Weizhong，YUAN Jingqiang，et al. Study on early hydration and mechanical properties of ferrite–rich calcium sulfoaluminate cement–based grouting materials[J]. Construction and Building Materials，2024，411：134324.

[25] CHENG Zhiyuan，WANG Yimin，ZHANG Kunbiao，et al. Calculation and analysis of load transfer characteristics of tensile anchors for geotechnical anchoring systems[J]. Applied Sciences，2024，14(2)：472.

[26] ZUNINO F，SCRIVENER K. The reaction between metakaolin and limestone and its effect in porosity refinement and mechanical properties[J]. Cement and Concrete Research，2021，140：106307.