Flexibility in Grouting: Solutions for Old Dams

The Ivex Packaging Corporation purchased a paper-recycling mill in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The 100-year old dam was constructed of masonry and timber cribbing, and had shown a history of wear in recent years. Seepage flows through the embankment and right abutment, and into the process building were a steadily increasing problem requiring constant attention. To combat this problem, a combination of grouting techniques was used, including sleeve port pipe grouting, and limited mobility grouting. Difficulties encountered during construction required close coordination with the plant personnel, grouting specialist contractor, and the engineers to adjust the hole pattern, grout materials, and injection methods as work proceeded. Following four weeks of grouting, seepage flows were stopped through the right abutment. This paper describes the process for development of a grouting plan adapted to the particular site conditions, and the field adjustments made during construction. These adjustments included modification of type of grout and grout placement methods, especially where significant flows were found to be untreatable using low viscosity grout.