Date of Award

12-1997

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geological and Environmental Sciences

Department

Geosciences

First Advisor

Dr. Duane R. Hampton

Second Advisor

Dr. William Sauck

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

To prevent contamination from occurring in water wells, and thereby groundwater, the annulus between the well casing and borehole wall must be sealed with a grout that is capable of maintaining a proper seal. Several factors and properties determine the integrity of the grout and the seal formed by that grout.

A field study discovered limitations in all of the tested grout types. Most grouts were found to vary greatly in thickness surrounding the well casing. Bentonite slurry grouts settled excessively. Cement and bentoni tecement grouts did not adhere to PVC well casing. Bentonite-cement grout fractured. The granulated bentonite was mixed with the surrounding formation in some places.

Further research, product development, and a proposed grout performance standard are recommended.

Included in

Geology Commons

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