Quality control of ground stabilisation using electrical resistivity tomography

Purpose and goal

The aim is to optimise the amount of binder through better quality control of soil stabilisation, and ensure that the entire intended volume was treated with sufficiently good results, for economic and environmental savings and the avoidance of technical problems. The aim is to develop, adapt and test electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) for volume-wide quality control of soil stabilisation. Developed methodology, prototype equipment, algorithms and software have been tested in the laboratory and field, however reference data for verification of field results is lacking.

Expected results and effects

ERT shows clear change in resistivity immediately after stabilisation in lacustrine clay, quick clay, etc., while in marine sediments there may be weak contrast initially but clear delineation of the treated volume through higher resistivity after curing of the binder. Combined laboratory tests can provide a key to correlation with mechanical properties for volume-based calculation of stiffness growth. Developed methodology, prototype equipment, algorithms and software for laboratory and field tests could be streamlined for routine use.

Planned approach and implementation

The plan consists of literature study, method development, measurement trials, compilation and analysis of the results. Method development includes prototype development of equipment for measuring material samples in the laboratory and field in stabilisation projects. Further development of methodology, algorithms and software for handling, processing and analysis of measured data. The implementation was delayed by late decision of co-financing. The pandemic limited development resources and hampered laboratory and field work. Long-term sick leave has limited staff.

External links

Projektbeskrivning i Lunds universitets forskningsportal.