• Explosives and Blasting
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.46-52
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• 2020

Although anti-washout grouts are used extensively in underwater targets, major constraints continue to be associated with their use. These include poor bonding strength, poor pumpability, and loss of high strength in everyday engineering applications. In this study, based on the literature pertaining to self-compacted, non-dispersive, anti-washout grouts, a review of research trends in anti-washout grouts for underwater construction and sealing of karst cavities was carried out in order to determine the problems faced in this field. Grouts used under water suffer a loss of strength and bonding strength in comparison to grouts cast in air. Researchers are designing high-viscosity grouts to overcome the inrush of water and seal karst cavities; however, in doing so, they have inadvertently caused serious problems pertaining to the pumpability of these grouts and concretes in deep target locations. Thus, the majority of the anti-washout grouts and concretes that have been developed are not applicable to deep target environments, instead being suitable for only near-surface targets.