Sensitivity Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Ground Heave Caused by Jet Grouting

Jet grouted piles are widely used to reduce post-construction settlement of soft clay roadbeds. Nevertheless, it is easy to cause ground heave due to the jet grouted pile. According to the analytical method and numerical method, a sensitivity analysis of the factors affecting ground heave caused by a single jet grouted pile was performed. It is found that the influence of each parameter on ground heave is in the following order: grout pump pressure > embankment load > soil type (including the cohesion, friction angle, and Young’s modulus) > pile diameter > pile length. Considering the effect of the pump pressure on the ground heave is more significant, based on the analytical method of ground heave caused by a single jet grouted pile combined with the solution of small-deflection bending of a circular thin plate, the calculation method for the suggested limit grout pressure for construction under different embankment heights was established. Suggested values of theoretical grout pump pressure were given to prevent ground heave from harming the pavement of operating highways. This study provides some theoretical basis for the subsequent research on the jet grouted pile.