Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-020-02279-w

ORIGINAL PAPER

Drill Monitoring for Rock Mass Grouting: Case Study at the Stockholm

Bypass
Jeroen van Eldert1   · Johan Funehag1   · Håkan Schunnesson1 · David Saiang1 

Received: 18 February 2020 / Accepted: 12 October 2020

© The Author(s) 2020

Abstract
In tunneling, rock mass grouting is a method applied to reduce water ingress. Grouting is influenced by rock mass conditions,
especially apertures, frequency, and continuation of fracturing. These rock mass conditions can partly be determined by
rock mass classification systems. At the Stockholm bypass, the Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Fracturing Index was
applied to characterize the rock mass for grouting purposes, with a focus on adjusting the grout hole drill plan to minimize
environmental impact. This study divided the rock mass in a 1.9 km tunnel into six categories based on rock mass condi-
tions, identifying rock mass quality, apparent fracturing, and grout consumption. These categories were then compared
with the mean fracturing index based on the coefficients of penetration rate and rotation pressure variations, as well as grout
consumption at each grout umbrella. The fracturing index was 93% successful in assessing favorable and unfavorable rock
mass conditions in the studied tunnel and 85% successful in determining grout consumption. Finally, a conceptual method
was developed to reduce the grouting activities using the MWD fracturing index and water loss tests. The introduction of
this conceptual method for grouting decisions could potentially reduce 59% of the umbrellas found in the case study.

Keywords  Tunneling · Measurement While Drilling (MWD) · Rock mass grouting · Rock mass quality · Rock mass
classification

1 Introduction ingress into the tunnels. Therefore, the grout consumption

was compared with the MWD Fracturing Index (FI) of the
Rock mass grouting is an integral part of tunnel excavation rock mass while considering the observed rock mass condi-
in Scandinavia. The grout hole drilling and grouting is a tions. This study concentrates on determining the rock mass
time consuming and costly process. The grouting procedure conditions for grouting purposes by MWD recordings. It
has a considerable impact on the environment, both energy does not investigate the optimal grout umbrella design, nei-
consumption (for drilling and production of cement) and the ther the optimum grout mixtures, e.g., water-cement ratio,
introduction of foreign material in the rock mass (cement). retarder and accelerator additions, grouting procedures, e.g.,
The Swedish traffic administration (Trafikverket) strives to grouting pressure, flow, and stop-criteria, nor determination
minimize the environmental impact of infrastructure pro- of rock mass hydraulic domains. Although all these have a
jects, both during construction and operation. major impact on the success of rock mass grouting, they are
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the capability outside of the scope of this study.
of Measurement While Drilling (MWD) technology to aid in
Trafikverket’s commitments on reducing drilling and cement 1.1 Measurement While Drilling
use while following the environmental regulations on water
MWD technology is used to collect drilling parameters, and
these normally include penetration rate, feed pressure, per-
* Jeroen van Eldert cussive pressure, rotation pressure, and water flow (Inter-
jeroen.van.eldert@ltu.se
national Organization for Standardization [ISO] 2016).
1
Division of Mining and Geotechnical Engineering, Based on the MWD parameters a fracturing index (FI) can
Department of Civil, Environment and Natural Resources be extracted. Broadly stated, the MWD fracturing index
Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, describes the rock mass heterogeneity. Schunnesson (1996,
Sweden

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 J. van Eldert et al.

1998), Martinsson and Bengtsson (2010), Rødseth (2013), On the other hand, Navarro et al. (2018) combined percus-
Høien and Nilsen (2014), Ghosh et al. (2017) and Van Eldert sive pressure (PP), feed pressure (FP) and rotation pressure
et al. (2020a, b) aimed to correlate rock mass quality (RQD (RP) of unprocessed MWD data to derive the coefficient
and/or Q value) and mapped fracture areas to a fractur- of variations (CVs) for the fracturing index. Navarro et al.
ing index. MWD parameters were successfully correlated (2018) correlate this combination of MWD parameters to
with rock mass fractures using diamond drill core logging fractures identified with borehole TV.
(Schunnesson 1996, 1998), geological mapping (Rødseth
2013), or drill hole filming (Ghosh et al. 2017; Navarro et al. 1.2 Rock Mass Grouting
2018). Others took a holistic, visual approach (Van Eldert
et al. 2020a, b) comparing the MWD rock mass characteriza- Pre-grouting is performed to reduce the hydraulic conductiv-
tion with the geotechnical mapping of tunnels. ity of a rock mass and ultimately water ingress (Gustafson
The FI portrays the rock mass conditions most accurately and Stille 1996). The flow of grout in the rock mass was
when based on penetration rate (PR) and rotation pressure described by Doe and Geier (1990). They established three
(RP) variations according to Schunnesson (1996), Ghosh conductive grout flow path geometries within rock masses.
et al. (2017) and Van Eldert et al. (2020b). In these publica- These paths were channel (linear, 1D) flow within one frac-
tions, the MWD data was filtered and normalized for the ture, radial (2D) flow in a fracture plane or spherical (3D)
influence of feed pressure and percussive pressure varia- flow within a fracture network. These paths affect the flow
tions. Schunnesson (1996) employed MWD data logging behavior during grouting as well as the required volume
in the Glödberget tunnel to assess the rock mass quality. of grout to reduce the rock mass transmissivity for water
This study showed a good correlation between the RQD and ingress. Kvartsberg (2013) developed a rock mass classifica-
the penetration rate and torque pressure (or rotation pres- tion based on hydraulic conductivity domains for the host
sure). These findings indicated that increased RQD leads rock and conductors. The hydraulic domains were separated
to a decreased penetration rate and decreased torque pres- into hydraulic rock domains (host rock, including minor
sure. Rødseth (2013) showed a moderate to good correla- alterations) and hydraulic conductor domains (fracture
tion between MWD parameters and RQD in the Eikrem, zones). The hydraulic conductor domains include local, dis-
Løren, and Oppdølstranda tunnels in Norway, but, a poor tributed or combined conduits-barriers for water flow within
correlation was found between MWD and degree of jointing the fracture zone. The conductors were noted as the main
(RQD/Jn). As a result, the numerical comparison between contribution to water ingress of tunnels, thus the focus of a
MWD parameters and rock mass quality was deemed unreli- grouting operation. Concurrently to Kvartsberg (2013) and
able. Ghosh et al. (2017) implemented the fracturing index Hernqvist et al. (2012) created a conceptual model for the
based on penetration rate and rotation pressure for charge- adaptation of the grout design of the water-conductive frac-
ability of blast holes at LKAB’s Malmberg mine in North- ture systems, focusing on grouting these fracture systems.
ern Sweden. Here, borehole TV showed a good correlation Widmann (1996) published an extensive review of
with variations in the fracturing index based on the variation international grouting practices, and the article was the
of the penetration rate and rotation pressure. Based on the result of the combined efforts by the International Society
found correlations a model was defined, where rock mass for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) commission on rock grout-
conditions such as fractured rock masses and cavities could ing. The article addressed the main considerations with
be identified. Van Eldert et al. (2020a) applied a normalized grouting. Widmann (1996) states that grouting success
penetration rate and normalized to identify fracture zones is accomplished by trial and error based on the experi-
in an 80 m tunnel roof at the Stockholm bypass. This study ence of the grouting contractor. The grouting procedure
showed numerical correlations between MWD parameters, should define the grouting material, pressure, borehole
rock mass quality and rock support are not reliable and spacing and required grouting value to reach the desired
show large dispersion. Van Eldert et al. (2020a) introduced goal economically. The procedure should consider grout-
a holistic approach to relate MWD parameters with rock ing purpose, rock mass properties and conditions, grout-
mass quality and support as an extension of the results from ing material, and equipment. In hard rock tunneling,
Epiroc’s Underground Manager MWD (Van Eldert et al. the main purpose of the grouting is to reduce the rock
2020b). This approach combined normalized penetration mass transmissivity. For this purpose, the groutability is
rate and normalized rotation pressure to identify fracture related to the hydraulic properties of the rock mass. These
areas in the tunnel roof (Van Eldert et al. 2020a). The study hydraulic properties are dictated by the flow paths (1D,
demonstrated that this combination of MWD parameters was 2D, and 3D), water flow and pressure in the rock mass,
able to distinguish fractured areas in the tunnel roof. This degree of sedimentation in the flow paths, expansion of
was broadened to predict the rock support requirements in the flow paths (erosion and jacking), temperature of the
the tunnel roof based on the normalized MWD parameters. rock mass, stress regime, and cavities. To obtain these

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Drill Monitoring for Rock Mass Grouting: Case Study at the Stockholm Bypass

properties geo-statistics can be applied to model the rock addition, clay-filled fractures may seal the rock mass, limit
mass to determine joint orientation, spacing (frequency), grout spread and resulting in lower grout consumption.
dimensions, roughness, opening widths, and fracture
intensity. Besides, geophysical methods (seismicity) could 1.4 Measurement While Drilling and Rock Mass
be used to determine large discontinuities. The hydraulic Grouting
properties should be determent by water tests to establish
the rock mass transmissivity and flow regime. Analysis Martinsson and Bengtsson (2010) employed an MWD
of these test results should consider the structure of flow fracturing index with limited success on a hole-by-hole
paths and the rheological differences between water and basis to optimize pre-grouting, allocating additional grout
grout (Widmann 1996). holes in highly fractured index areas at Stockholm’s Norra
Before tunnel excavation, a grouting program is devel- Länken project in Sweden. In this case, the fracturing and
oped. For Swedish rock mass conditions, this grouting pro- rock strength indices were used to establish rock mass con-
gram includes grouting objective, rock mass classification, ditions. The degree of fracturing was characterized by the
grouting guidelines, stop criteria and limitations of the percentages of the drill hole samples within a certain frac-
grouting process (Gustafson and Stille 1996). The main turing and water indices intervals in Rockma’s GPM soft-
aim of the grouting program is to reduce the rock mass ware. Based on the assessment of these indices, additional
transmissivity to adhere to the water ingress limits set grout holes were drill in the indicated fractured rock masses.
for the tunneling project. The stop criteria are calculated Høien and Nilsen (2014) applied the same software pack-
based on grout properties (yield strength and viscosity), age to successfully obtain a medium correlation between
rock mass characteristics (fracture aperture, number of MWD indices, water ingress, and grout volume per grout
fractures, persistence of fractures, communication between umbrella at the Løren tunnel in Norway. This study used the
fractures, and groundwater pressure), and operational obtained percentage of a drill hole above a set fracturing
practices (set grouting pressure and theoretical grouting index value to describe the degree of fracturing. Unfortu-
time) (Gustafson and Stille 2005). In addition, a common nately, these studies (Martinsson and Bengtsson 2010; Høien
Swedish grouting program takes into consideration rock and Nilsen 2014), on grouting performance in relation to
cover and rock strength to avoid jacking and damaging the MWD, build on results from Rockma’s GPM. The manual
rock mass. The success of a grouting program is defined for this software package does not address how the indices
by the reduction of hydraulic transmissivity and water are calculated.
ingress, as well as grout penetration into fractures, reduc- The contribution of this paper is the development of a
tion of excessive pumping and the limited grout backflow conceptual method to reduce the number of grout umbrellas,
(Gustafson and Stille 1996). based on the establishment of rock mass categories while
pursuing openness on the concept and calculated MWD val-
ues. Previous studies have shown a correlation between rock
1.3 Grouting and Rock Mass Quality mass conditions, MWD indices, and grout consumption.
But, except for Norra Länken (Martinsson and Bengtsson
The rock mass quality is in Scandinavian infrastructure tun- 2010) and by extension Stockholm bypass (Zetterlund et al.
neling is commonly characterized by the Q-system (Barton 2017), no attempts have been made to incorporate MWD
et al. 1974). The effect of rock mass quality on grouting technology in grout requirement assessments. Though in
was investigated by Bhasin (2002). Who studied the rela- these two cases the establishment of rock mass fracturing,
tion between the Q-system parameters and the grout volume hardness and water indices was unknown.
at the Frøya tunnel in Norway. This study showed a trend
between the Q-parameters and the grout intake; low-quality
rock masses (low Q-value) are fractured and have increased 2 Case Study
grout consumption. It indicated a correlation between rock
mass quality and grout consumption, although a thorough The Stockholm bypass project aims to improve
review of this paper shows only a weak correlation. Palm- north–south road transport links surrounding Stockholm,
ström and Broch (2006) described the Q-system unsuitable Sweden. The project includes 18 km of double-tube main
for grouting, because it lacks parameters on joint aperture road tunnels and 20.6 km of auxiliary tunnels (Trafikverket
and channel forming, which contribute majorly to the grout 2018). This study concentrated on Tunnel 201 at the south-
flow and total grout volume. Besides, they addressed a high ern end of the bypass. Rock extracted at the tunnel excava-
Jr/Ja-ratio in large open, irregular joints (high Q-value) tion is mainly gray, medium to large grained granite-gneiss
increase grout consumption, contradicting the apparent, (Arghe 2016). The rock mass has minor areas with foliated
negative correlation between Q and grout consumption. In granite, pegmatite intrusions, greenstone veins, areas with

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 J. van Eldert et al.

Fig. 1  Tunnel 201 profile with expected fracture zones and rock classes from the pre-investigation (modified after Trafikverket 2015a, b, c) and
the rock classes and descriptions at the Stockholm bypass (after Arghe 2016)

graphite, clay, and several fracture zones (Arghe 2016).

The tunnel profile of the investigated sections is displayed
in Fig. 1. The figure displays the rock classes with their
Q-value range established during the site investigation.
During the tunnel excavation the tunnel was geotechni-
cally mapped (ÅF 2016–2019). The granite-gneissic host
rock had a uniaxial compressive strength of 100–250 MPa
in an undisturbed rock mass, dropping to 50 MPa in a dis-
turbed rock masses and to < 5 MPa in fracture zones. The
weathering was mainly between weathering class W0 (no
weathering, 0%) and W3 (sever weathering, 51–75%), with
sections of W4 (complete weathering, structure remaining,
76–99%) and at section 12,500 weathering class W5 (com-
plete weathering, structure disappeared, 100%).
Based on previous experience in Stockholm’s Norra Fig. 2  Grout umbrella of section 12,108 in Tunnel 201 (Trafikverket
Linken (Martinsson and Bengtsson 2010), a comprehen- 2017). The gray circles indicate the first round of planned grout holes,
sive grouting plan was established before excavation (Zet- the white circles the second, and the black circles the additional grout
holes required based on analysis of the MWD data. The nominal
terlund et al. 2017). The plan incorporated MWD indices
main tunnel width is between 12 and 17 m
to adjust the number of grout holes during grout umbrella
drilling, as displayed in Fig. 2. The grouting holes for this
part of the Stockholm bypass project were drilled by five depending on the expected rock mass conditions and rock
different Epiroc WE3 three boom drill rigs, which logged cover.
the MWD data. The grouting was performed by grouting
equipment produced by AMV and Bever Control. Dur-
ing the excavation, a 30 µm cement-based mixture was 3 Methodology
used for the pre-grouting. The most common water-cement
ratio (W/C ratio) used for Tunnel 201 was 0.95 (60%). The tunnel was continuously geotechnically mapped after
Although mixtures ranging from W/C ratio 0.75 (16%) to each excavation round (~ 5 m) (ÅF 2016–2019). The map-
W/C ratio 1.5 (8%) were used during the tunnel construc- ping data included the Q-value assessment and the rock
tion. The grouting pressure ranged between 20 and 50 bar, mass description. The rock mass was divided into rock

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Drill Monitoring for Rock Mass Grouting: Case Study at the Stockholm Bypass

mass classes based on the Q-system; see Fig. 1. In addi-

tion, the grouting volume and hole length were measured
for each grout hole, the MWD sampling was performed
every 2–3 cm in each drill hole. The Q-value includes the
water reduction factor (Jw) and the stress reduction fac-
tor (SRF), unfortunately, these cannot be measured with
the drill system and do not affect the used MWD param-
eters. During the excavation of the Stockholm bypass, the
SRF locally increased because of rock cover, variation in
Fig. 3  Rock mass categories with the expected effects on grout con-
tunnel span, and construction of tunnel intersections, to sumption and fracturing index
increase the study’s reliability the Qbase-value was used.
parameter values and observation a section may belong to mul-
The Qbase-value only considers the rock mass conditions,
tiple categories. In these cases, the sections were assigned to
e.g., degree of fracturing (RQD/Jn) and fracture conditions
the best fitting category.
(Jr/Ja). For this paper, the rock classes in Fig. 1 were used
The categories bear a resemblance to the hydraulic domains
as a guideline.
established by Kvartsberg (2013). However, in this case study,
Rock mass class III or higher was designated as unfavora-
the categories were selected purely to investigate the poten-
ble (Qbase ≤ 4) for this study. For the grout consumption, the
tial of the MWD fracturing index to verify and predict rock
98% (µ + 2σ, 5.5 L/m) limit of the first normal distribution
quality and grouting requirements, not to establish precise
mode for grout take per hole was used to distinguish between
hydraulic domains. Admittedly, though, the MWD categories
low/normal and high grout take. The mapping, grout hole and
can be used in adjunction with the hydraulic domains as a
MWD data were compared at a grout umbrella level, because
complementary data set to determine rock mass conditions
of possible communication between grout holes and uncer-
for grouting purposes.
tainty in relating MWD hole data to grout consumption for
The data were collected from 97 grout umbrellas over
each grout hole. Based on fracture occurrence, aperture type
1.9 km. The collected MWD data were normalized following
and filling, the rock mass was divided into six categories, as
Van Eldert et al.’s (2020c) proposed procedure. This normali-
displayed in Fig. 3. For each category, the expected fracturing
zation and filtering process includes the filtration of the drill
index was established. The fracturing index (FI) is a measure
hole collar and coupling data points and the rod-dependent
of the rock mass heterogeneity. This heterogeneity displays the
normalization of the drill hole length and feed pressure for
variation of rock mass-dependent parameters; the penetration
each drill rig and rock drill individually. Based on the com-
rate and rotation pressure (Brown and Barr 1978). The vari-
bined experience of studies using MWD-based predictions
ation can occur with the interaction of a section with a large
of rock mass quality, the fracturing index was established by
degree of fracturing, fracture zone, or rock masses with ≥ 2 cm
integrating the CVs of the penetration rate and rotation pres-
phenocrysts (Van Eldert et al. 2016). In these cases, the drill
sure, which are established as the main responds parameters
parameters vary significantly and a high fracture index is
for rock mass fracturing (Schunnesson, 1998; Haukaas 2010;
recorded. Homogeneous rock mass, with no or few fractures,
Ghosh et al. 2017; Van Eldert et al. 2020a). The calcula-
are expected to display a low variation of the drilling param-
tion of the fracturing index used in this study is displayed
eters, resulting in a low fracturing index. In this study, the use
in Eqs. (1) and (2). Besides, grout consumption data were
of the mean FI for each grout-hole was used. The mean FI is
collected at 2646 grout holes and normalized in consump-
less robust than the median FI. The mean FI was specifically
tion per meter (L/m). The theoretical volume for filling a
selected due to the skewness of the FI. The use of the mean
grout hole is 3.21 L/m, based on the ø64mm drill bits used
FI gives more weight to high-value FI. This is preferable in
for drilling. A total of 2536 grout holes were reliably related
this study, since more fractured areas are expected to display
to the MWD data. The average grout consumption, fractur-
a disproportional larger grout consumption. In addition, the
ing index and Qbase-value were calculated for each grout
expected grout consumption was taken into consideration
umbrella. These values were compared for each umbrella;
with the establishment of the rock mass grouting categories in
based on its appearance, each grout umbrella was assigned
Fig. 3. Rock masses with few large open fractures (category D)
to the best fitting category. Finally, the categories were used
may have a high grout consumption, albeit being homogene-
to develop a conceptual method for the application of the
ous (low FI). Rock masses with clay-filled fractures (category
fracturing index and external information to determine pre-
E) and intrusive dikes (category F) may have a low grout con-
grouting requirements:
sumption, albeit being heterogeneous (high FI). In practice,
rock mass transitions between categories exist, based on the

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 J. van Eldert et al.

N+i �
� �
∑N+i
MWDi
�
� Of the 97 umbrellas investigated, 27 consumed on aver-
i
MWDvar = �
� N+1
− MWDi �� ( after Ghosh et al. 2017), age high quantities of grout (≥ 5.5 L/m hole, µ + 2σ). The
i �� �
� grout consumption, Qbase-value and mean fracturing index
(1) for the grout umbrellas in Tunnel 201 are shown in Fig. 6.
√ √
PRvar RPvar Of the investigated umbrellas, twelve were rock class I
Fracturing Index = + , (2) (Qbase > 10), 25 rock class II (4 < Qbase ≤ 10), 45 rock class III
PR RP (1 < Qbase ≤ 4) and 15 rock class IV (Qbase ≤ 1). An increased
where N: number of the considered additional sample (here, mean fracturing index (FI > 1.14) was determined for 40
N = 4), ­MWDi: MWD sample value, ­MWDvar: MWD vari- grout umbrellas.
ation over 1:N, MWD : hole average MWD value, here pen- In general, Fig.  6 shows poor quality rock masses
etration rate (PR) and rotation pressure (RP). (Qbase ≤ 4) in an umbrella have in most cases a high fracturing
index (FI  ≥ 1.14) and high grout consumption (≥ 5.5 L/m).
The umbrellas with good quality rock masses (Qbase > 4)
4 Results and Discussion showed a relatively low fracturing index (FI < 1.14, µ) and
low grout consumption (< 5.5 L/m). In addition, the grout
In this study, the MWD data was collected in 2536 grout consumption does not reduce significantly when the rock
holes. The data included more than 1.8 million MWD sam- mass quality exceeds Qbase > 4. Besides, the FI shows sig-
ples and the FI was calculated for each sample. The FI dis- nificant variations. This is most likely caused by the cal-
tribution is characterized by a lognormal distribution with culation method. Using the average FI of each umbrella,
a µlog of 0.089 and a σlog of 0.291, see Fig. 4. The overall locally “fractured” areas could affect the values significantly.
fracturing index mean was 1.14. Based on these FI values In general, this confirms the expectations made with the
the mean FI for each grout hole and umbrella was calculated. categories established in Fig. 3. Figure 7 displays the FI
The overall mean was used as a guideline to separate high and grout consumption side by side. The linear correlation
fracturing index and low fracturing index umbrellas for rock over all the umbrellas between these two values is moderate
mass grouting categorization. (R = 0.36), but if the outliers are removed (red squares in
Figure 5 displays the number of grout holes (frequency) at Fig. 7) the correlation is relatively strong (R = 0.58). These
the different grout consumption intervals. In this case study, outliers are mostly related to categories C, E and F, as well
the average grout consumption was 3.57 L/m per grout hole as a significant increase in grout consumption (15.8 L/m) in
for the first mode of the grout consumption distribution, with one category B umbrella.
a standard deviation of 0.94. Several umbrellas displayed in Fig. 6 had discrepancies.
These are explained by occurrences of local fracture zones
(high grout consumption, medium Qbase and medium FI at
14 umbrellas), high clay content (low grout consumption,

Fig. 4  Fracturing index for the 1.8 million samples. Curve fit-

ting showed the fracturing index has a lognormal distribution with
µlog = 0.089 and σlog = 0.291. The fracturing index had a mean of 1.14 Fig. 5  Grout consumption distribution in the individual grout holes in
and a median of 1.09 Tunnel 201

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Drill Monitoring for Rock Mass Grouting: Case Study at the Stockholm Bypass

Fig. 6  Grout consumption,
Qbase-value and mean fracturing
index in Tunnel 201

low Qbase and high FI at seven umbrellas) and intrusive dikes

(low grout consumption, medium to high Qbase and high FI
at six umbrellas). The categorization of the grout umbrellas
is described in the sections below.

4.1 Category A: No/Few Fractures

In total 45 grout umbrellas with a relatively high Qbase-value

(Qbase > 4, rock class I or II) and low grout consumption
(< 5.0 L/m; average 3.7 L/m) were assigned to category A.
These sections had a relatively low number of joint sets and
fractures. In addition, they showed a low mean fracturing
index (0.97–1.19; average 1.08).

4.2 Category B: Many Fractures

In total 23 sections with a larger grout consumption

(≥ 4.8 L/m). During the geotechnical mapping, many frac-
tures or small blocky rock masses were observed with a low
Q (Qbase ≤ 4, rock class III or lower). The sections also had
a high mean fracturing index (1.11–1.29; average 1.19).
Therefore, they were classed as category B.
Fig. 7  Mean fracturing index and average grout consumption for each
umbrella. It shows a correlation between these parameters, although it
has a large spread. The red squares resemble outliers in the data

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 J. van Eldert et al.

4.3 Category C: (Large) Fracture Zone 4.6 Category F: Intrusive Dikes

Fifteen umbrellas fell into category C, of which three had Six umbrellas showed the effect of competent intrusive dikes
fractured intrusive dikes. In these sections, a larger amount on drilling and grouting. These grout umbrellas displayed
of grout was consumed (3.1–7.2 L/m; average 5.1 L/m), and favorable rock mass conditions and low grout consumption
fracture zones were observed during the geotechnical map- (3.1–3.6 L/m; average 3.3 L/m), but a high fracturing index
ping. These fracture zones had a low Q locally (Qbase ≤ 4, (1.18–1.35; average 1.24). In this case study, several granite,
rock class III or lower), but were surrounded by favorable diabase and pegmatite dikes were observed. These umbrellas
rock mass, as expected in category C. These sections may were assigned to category F. Depending on the rock type,
show a high mean fracturing index locally, and this may the fracturing index can vary, even though the rock mass
partly be diluted in the rest of the MWD data of the grout is solid and competent, e.g., a competent fine-grain granite
umbrella (umbrella FI: 1.01–1.35; average 1.15). has a low fracturing index, whereas a competent pegmatite
may have a high fracturing index. This agrees with the find-
4.4 Category D: Few Large, Open Fractures ings of Van Eldert et al. (2016). These researchers observed
that alternating phenocrysts could falsely portray the rock
One umbrella displayed only a few fractures and no fracture mass as fractured in the MWD data. If only the MWD data
zones during the geotechnical mapping (high Qbase > 4, rock were taken into account, the umbrellas would be considered
class I or II). This umbrella would have been assigned to category B or category C.
category A, based purely on the rock mass description and Figure 8 shows fracture index and grout consumption
fracturing index (1.08), but the umbrella had a large grout grouped for the different categories, the categories over-
consumption (8.7 L/m). Although the cause was uncertain, lap and a strict separation between the classes could not be
this high grout volume was most likely caused by a few/ obtained. Unfractured rock masses (category A) show a low
single, large, open fractures. The umbrella had a low mean grout consumption (< 5.0 L/m) and fracturing index (gener-
fracturing index. The discrepancy could have resulted from ally < 1.14), fractured rock masses (category B) show a high
a lack of precision in MWD recordings. Peng et al. (2005) grout consumption (> 4.8 L/m). Rock masses with fracture
determined single voids < 1.5 mm do not affect the MWD zones (category C) are displayed in-between category A
parameters in (percussive) drilling systems. Besides, in the and category B for both grout consumption (3.1–7.2 L/m)
present study, the MWD interval recording was set to 2 cm and fracturing index (1.01–1.38). Anomalies (category D,
(practice 2–3  cm); intersecting of large single fractures
(< 2 cm) may go unnoticed because of this sampling inter-
val, even though these individual fractures could consume a
tremendous amount of grout. This favorable rock mass with
high grout consumption was assigned to category D.

4.5 Category E: Clay‑Filled Fractures/Weathered

Rock Mass

Seven umbrellas fell in category E. These umbrellas dis-

played low grout consumption (3.5–4.6 L/m; average 4.0
L/m) and low Q-values (Qbase ≤ 4, rock class III or lower)
during the geotechnical mapping. Severely weathered rock
mass and/or significant amounts of clay were also observed.
With clay-filled fractures and/or a high degree of weather-
ing, a rock mass will be of poor quality, and the clay content
will hamper the spread of the injected grout. These umbrel-
las displayed a high mean fracturing index (1.13–1.24; aver-
age 1.19) caused by the alternation of clay and fractured rock
mass. Solely based on the MWD and rock mass description,
they would have been assigned to category B, but because
of the effect of the clay on the grouting, they were assigned
to category E.
Fig. 8  Mean fracturing index and average grout consumption for each
umbrella separate for each category

13

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Drill Monitoring for Rock Mass Grouting: Case Study at the Stockholm Bypass

category E and category F) show the expected values. The the rock mass. This additional data should be incorporated
category D umbrella shows the low FI (1.08) but high grout with rock quality assessment.
consumption (8.7 L/m). Category E and category F show a
high fracture index (respectively, 1.13–1.24 and 1.18–1.35) 4.8 Conceptual Method for Grout Decisions
but low grout consumption (respectively, 3.5–4.6 L/m and
3.1–3.6 L/m). In tunnel excavations, where the set water ingress limits
have a significant margin with the expected water ingress
4.7 MWD Fracturing Index (low risk), the MWD FI could be used to determine the
grout requirements. In these cases, pre-grouting require-
The fracturing index showed a reasonably strong correlation ments could be established based on a combination of
with the rock mass quality, with a high fracturing index indi- the MWD fracturing index and additional water loss/gain
cating low quality and vice versa. Notable exceptions were measurements. Here, the opportunity exists to reduce the
the umbrellas with intrusive diabase and pegmatite (category total number of grout umbrellas, which leads to reduced
F). Here, the fracturing index indicated worse rock mass excavation time, cost, and environmental impact. Based on
conditions than was the case. In umbrellas 10,260, 10,283, the previously presented results, the FI was incorporated in
and 10,411, the fracturing index indicated a more favorable a conceptual method for grout decision in hydrologically
rock mass condition than was the case. The reason for the low-risk areas, see Fig. 9. The conceptual method could
latter inaccurate portrayal of the rock mass by the fracturing be used to establish rock mass grouting categories A, E
index is unclear but could be explained by (changes in) drill- and F; under the right circumstances (low risk) the tunnel
ing settings, alterations during the drilling or simply the sub- sections in these categories do not require grouting. The
jectivity of rock mass classification (Van Eldert et al. 2020a). suggested, conceptual method is initiated with probe (or
In this study, in 70% of the tunnel, the fracturing index grout) hole drilling. Based on the collected MWD data,
showed a good correlation with the grout consumption in the fracturing index is calculated. A low fracturing index
both the un-fractured (category A, 46%) and fractured (cat- indicates no grouting is required (category A), except for
egory B, 24%) rock masses. Because of the occurrence of drill holes with large drill fluid losses or water inflow (cat-
locally fractured zones (category C), an additional 15% of egory D). If the fracturing index is relatively high, a water
the rock mass conditions and grout consumption could be loss test should be performed, e.g., a water pressure test
predicted accurately with MWD. In total, the grout con- (WPT, ISO 2012). This test will either show significant
sumption was predicted by the MWD fracturing index in water losses (or gains) or not. In the case of extensive
85% of the umbrellas, categories A, B, and C. However, the water loss (or gain), pre-grouting of the fractured rock
fracturing index was unable to detect single large fractures mass (category B) or fracture zone (category C) is required
(category D, 1%). Both high clay content in fracture zones to meet the set water ingress limits. When the water loss
(category E, 7% of the tunnel) and intrusive dikes (category test reveals insignificant flow, pre-grouting may not be
F, 6% of the tunnel) displayed an increased fracturing index required. In this case, the relatively high fracturing index
because of variations in drillability, but not an increase in is most likely caused by fractured rock masses with clay
grout consumption due to limited grout spread. Albeit, the filling (noticeable drill fluid color change, category E) or
MWD fracturing index was able to predict the rock mass solid magmatic intrusions, e.g., pegmatite or diabase dikes
quality in 93% of the umbrellas, namely categories A, B, (category F), and, therefore, already sealed. In this study
C, and E. Improved rock mass assessment with the MWD
fracturing index requires the collection of additional infor-
mation during excavation. These can include the applica-
tion of an accurate MWD water index to indicated drill fluid
losses/inflows, as performed by Schunnesson et al. (2011),
using the well-established water loss test for rock masses
in categories B, C, E and F. In these cases, large drill fluid
losses/inflows indicate, respectively, dry and water-bearing
structures and thus the requirement for increased grouting.
Besides, drilling observations or analysis for example the
color of the flushing water could be used to determine rock
mass conditions. At the southern part of the Stockholm
bypass, white flushing fluid from the drill hole indicated
high clay content in the rock mass (category E), where black Fig. 9  Conceptual method for pre-grouting requirements based on
flushing fluid indicated the occurrence of graphite zones in fracturing index and water loss tests

13

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 J. van Eldert et al.

up to 59% of the grout umbrellas may not have required Acknowledgements  The authors wish to thank Subterra Sweden and
(extensive) grouting, namely categories A (46%), E (7%), Trafikverket (Swedish Traffic Administration) for the MWD and grout-
ing data, and Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) and
and F (6%). AFRY (formerly ÅF) for the geotechnical mapping data of the tunnel.
In addition, the authors acknowledge BeFo (Stiftelsen Bergteknisk For-
skning, Rock Engineering Research Foundation) and Swebrec (Swed-
5 Concluding Remarks ish Blasting Research Centre) for providing the initial funding for this
study within BeFo project 344.

The study showed grout consumption was correlated to Funding  Open access funding provided by Lulea University of Tech-
a rock mass’s degree of fracturing, as observed in both nology. Initial funding for the project was supplied within BeFo project
the geotechnical mapping (Qbase) and the MWD fractur- 344.
ing index. A similar correlation appeared for grouting,
except severely weathered and clay-rich areas (reduced Compliance with Ethical Standards 
grout spread) single, large, open fractures, and intrusions
and cemented veins. These rock mass conditions cannot Conflict of interest  The authors declare that they have no conflict of
interest.
be determined purely based on MWD. Large fractures,
though less than 2  cm with cannot be observed in the Open Access  This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attri-
current MWD recordings. Nor can MWD data distin- bution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adapta-
guish between fractured rock mass and the occurrence of tion, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long
cemented veins or intrusive dikes within the solid rock as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source,
provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes
mass. In these cases the drilling behavior is very similar to were made. The images or other third party material in this article are
the drilling of fractured rock masses; the MWD parameters included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated
show large variations in the recorded values. otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in
Based on the overall findings, the study proposed a con- the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not
permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will
ceptual method to reduce the number of pre-grout umbrellas need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a
by incorporating the MWD fracturing index and water loss copy of this licence, visit http://creat​iveco​mmons​.org/licen​ses/by/4.0/.
tests. In all, the following conclusions of the study could
be drawn:

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