Effect of a Cationic Surfactant on the Behavior of Acrylamide Grout and Grouted Sand

In this experimental study, changes in the viscosity, setting (gelling) time and the curing temperature of an acrylamide chemical grout with and without a cationic-surfactant were investigated. Also the influence on the pull-out strength of the grout and grouted sand and compressive strength of the grouted sand were investigated. Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as the cationic surfactant. The weight of the surfactant was varied from 0.5 grams to 4 grams per 100 grams of grout mix. The gelling time tests were performed starting with different initial temperatures of the grout mix, varying from 40°F to 80°F (4.4°C to 26.6°C). Unconfined Compression tests were performed after the 7^th day of curing the specimen. The results showed that addition of surfactant did not have a noticeable effect on the viscosity of the grout solution. It was found that addition of 0.5% of CTAB increased the gelling time by 60, 75 and 15 seconds at 40°F (4.4°C), 60°F (15.5°C) and 80°F (26.6°C) respectively. Addition of 4% CTAB increased the gelling time by nearly 16785, 5715 and 1335 seconds at 40°F (4.4°C), 60°F (15.5°C) and 80°F (26.6°C). Noticeable changes were observed in the pull-out strengths. Addition of 0.5% and 4% of CTAB to the grout mix increased the compressive strength of the grouted sand.