Green Grouting: A Sustainable Solution for Soil Stabilization
This schematic diagram illustrates the typical components of a chemical grouting system, where gel-forming chemicals are applied to the soil to prevent erosion and liquefaction that could threaten the structural integrity. Researchers developed a new type of grout made from a byproduct of geothermal energy harvesting, minimizing carbon emissions linked to grouting (Credit: Shinya Inazumi from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan)
February 25, 2025 Grouting is a widely used construction technique in which stabilizing materials are injected into the ground to enhance structural stability—particularly important in earthquake-prone areas.
Traditional grout consists of a mixture of cement, water, and, in some cases, aggregates and additives. When injected into the ground and combined with soil, it forms grout columns with moderate strength. When multiple grout columns are placed adjacent to one another, they create continuous underground walls, which can serve as construction pit barriers or prevent groundwater flow in cases of soil contamination.
Now, researchers from Japan’s Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed an innovative, carbon-neutral grout made from waste fluids generated by geothermal energy production systems.
This research was published in the journal Case Studies in Construction Materials under the title ‘Development and Application of Geothermally Derived Silica Grout for Carbon-Neutral Soil Stabilization.’
