METHOD STATEMENT FOR GROUTING OF SONIC LOGGING PIPES IN
BORED PILES
1. Scope
This method statement outlines the procedure for preparing, placing, and grouting sonic
logging (CSL) pipes installed in bored piles to ensure integrity testing readiness and
durability.
2. References
- JKR Standard Specifications for Piling Works
- ASTM D6760 – Standard Test Method for Integrity Testing of Concrete Deep Foundations
by Ultrasonic Crosshole Testing
- Manufacturer’s instructions for grouting materials
3. Materials
1. Grout Mix:
- Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) complying with MS EN 197-1.
- Water: Clean and potable.
- Water-cement ratio: 0.40–0.50 (by weight).
- Admixtures: Plasticizers or superplasticizers may be added to improve workability.
- Optional: Non-shrink admixtures to reduce shrinkage.
2. Sonic Pipes:
- Steel/HDPE pipes, internal diameter 50–60 mm, wall thickness ≥ 3 mm.
- Pipes to be watertight, with threaded or welded joints.
4. Equipment
- Mechanical mixer or grout plant
- Grout pump with tremie hose
- Measuring buckets and scales
- Pressure gauge (to control grouting pressure ≤ 0.5 MPa)
- Sealing caps for pipe tops
5. Preparation
1. Verify sonic logging pipes are securely tied to reinforcement cage and extend to the pile
cut-off level.
2. Ensure pipe bottom ends are sealed (usually by welded plate or end cap).
3. Confirm pipe continuity and watertightness by filling with water and checking for
leakage.
4. Prepare grout mix in a clean mixing tank. Mix for minimum 3 minutes to achieve
uniformity.
5. Clean pipes by flushing with water or compressed air before grouting.
6. Grouting Procedure
1. Insert a grout hose to the bottom of the sonic pipe.
2. Start pumping grout at a low pressure (≤ 0.5 MPa) to avoid damaging pipe or displacing
reinforcement.
3. Displace any water inside the pipe upwards as grout fills from bottom to top.
4. Continue pumping until neat grout flows steadily from the pipe top without air bubbles.
5. Seal the top of the pipe with a cap to prevent contamination.
6. Repeat steps for each sonic pipe.
7. Record grout volume, mix ratio, and operation time for each pipe.
7. Quality Control
- Ensure full grout filling (no trapped water or voids).
- Randomly check grout flowability (slump flow ~200–250 mm or Marsh cone time).
- Test cube samples for compressive strength (≥ 25 MPa at 28 days).
- Verify all pipes remain open after grouting by passing a probe.
8. Safety Measures
- Operators must wear PPE: gloves, goggles, boots, and safety helmet.
- High-pressure hoses and couplings to be checked regularly.
- Grout spills to be cleaned immediately to prevent slipping hazards.
9. Acceptance Criteria
- All sonic pipes filled completely with grout without leaks.
- No segregation, laitance, or trapped air within pipes.
- Compressive strength of grout cubes meets design requirements.