Analysis of Biopolymer Solution Injectability Based on Pore Size Distribution and Injection Pressure Using Pore Network Model

Biopolymers used for ecofriendly ground improvement lead to various effects, such as strength increase, hydraulic conductivity reduction, and vegetation enhancement. However, related studies evaluate the mechanical performance of a biopolymer-stabilized soil by simple mixing of the biopolymer and the soil. In this study, the injection performance of a biopolymer solution was evaluated by pore network modeling based on the pore size distribution and the injection pressure. The developed pore network model applies the power law behavior to a modified Hagen-Poiseuille equation to consider the rheological properties of the biopolymer solution. The pore size distribution was obtained by changing the average and standard deviation of the overall pore size. The results showed that as the average pore size increased, the pore saturation and injectivity increased. However, as the standard deviation of the pore size distribution increased, the pore saturation decreased. In addition, as the injection pressure increased, the effects of the standard deviation on the pore saturation and the injectivity decreased. The pore network model developed in this study can predict the injection properties of a grout material into the ground considering rheological properties.