Study on the Mechanism of Mechanical Strength Modification in Weakly Cemented Sandstone by Silica Sol Grouting

This study addresses the challenges posed by weakly cemented strata in mine tunnels, where surrounding rock softens and deforms upon water exposure, which promotes the development of seepage pathways, and exhibits insufficient stability in bolt (cable) support systems. This study conducts laboratory grouting tests using silica sol on typical weakly cemented sandstone from Xinjiang mining areas. The mineral composition and pore structure were characterized using XRD, SEM, and mercury porosimetry. The injectable mixing ratio parameters for silica sol and the catalyst were determined through viscosity-time evolution tests. Grouting was performed using a custom-built constant-pressure grouting apparatus. After curing, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and porosity-permeability tests were conducted to evaluate the micro-mechanism of grouting effects on the mechanical and permeability properties of weakly cemented sandstone. The results indicate: (1) The sandstone exhibits a high clay mineral content of 39.8%, dominated by illite. Its pores are primarily small-scale (10–100 nm), accounting for 79.31% of the total pore volume. This scale matches that of silica sol nanoparticles (approximately 9–20 nm), facilitating slurry penetration into micro-pores; (2) microscopic analyses reveal that silica sol effectively reconstructs pore structures through permeation filling and surface coating. Compared to KCl-induced gelation (with approximately 8% gel coverage), NaCl-induced gelation forms a more continuous gel film with more complete pore filling, achieving coverage of around 22%. Furthermore, the larger surface area of the gel aggregates indicates a more thorough filling of micro- and nano-pores, effectively enhancing rock mass compactness. (3) Permeability decreased from 6.91 mD to 3.55 mD, a reduction of 48.6%, while porosity decreased from 16.94% to 13.55%, showing a phased reduction during the grouting process; (4) following pressure grouting stabilization, the uniaxial compressive strength of sandstone increased appropriately by approximately 7–14%, while the elastic modulus rose by about 18–28%. The failure mechanism shifted from shear brittleness to a shear-tension composite state, with enhanced post-peak bearing capacity. These findings provide support for optimizing silica sol grouting parameters in weakly cemented strata tunnels and for the synergistic reinforcement of rock mass permeability and strength.