The use of polymer solutions for deep excavations: lessons from Far Eastern experience

Figures & data

Figure 1. Marsh funnel viscosity of Telmarch polymer fluid at different concentrations.[11]

Figure 2. Mixing tanks and pumping equipment used for a bored piling project in Hong Kong.

Figure 3. Air-lifting operation for base cleaning at a polymer-supported pile bore in Hong Kong.

Table 1. Test methods and polymer fluid specifications for the Tuen Mun Station project in Hong Kong.

	Before excavation		Before concrete placement
Description	pH	Viscosity	Density	Sand content
Unit	–	Seconds	g/cm^3	%
Instrument	Indicator paper	Marsh funnel	Mud balance	Sand content kit
Specified values/range	9.5−11.5	>50	≤1.1	≤3.0

Figure 4. Effects of support fluid type and construction time on bored pile performance in Bangkok, Thailand.

Figure 5. Effects of support fluid type and viscosity on bored pile performance in Bangkok, Thailand.

Table 2. Construction details and load test results for four trial piles constructed using polymer–bentonite mixes and bentonite fluids in Bangkok, Thailand.[23]

		Pile	Pile	Marsh funnel	Construction	Actual shaft	Calculated shaft	Ratio of actual to
	Pile	diameter	length	viscosity	time	resistance	resistance	calculated
Support fluid type	designation	(m)	(m)	(s)	(h)	(MN)	(MN)	resistances
Polymer–bentonite mix	Asoke	1.0	55	32–38	14	11.50	10.90	1.06
	Worajack	1.5	56	48–55	16	25.00	19.70	1.27
	C21	1.5	50	35–45	41	21.00	17.70	1.19
	C22	1.5	50	45–55	41	22.00	16.80	1.31
Bentonite	C5	1.5	55	50	42	6.35	20.45	0.31
	C8	1.5	55	38	30	12.00	20.80	0.58
	C10	1.5	55	33	29	13.90	19.50	0.71
	SRT1	1.5	53	32	16	23.00	18.54	1.24
	SRT3	1.5	55.7	37	21	19.80	20.48	0.97

Figure 6. Hydrated gel particles for control of polymer fluid loss in coarse grounds.

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