PROBE & GROUTING AHEAD OF EXCAVATION METHODOLOGY

Methodology:
The following details the scope for this WMS Methodology:
Probe Drilling:

Probe drilling in front of the face ahead of the excavation will be carried out to
identify any adverse geological features and any excess groundwater inflows.
The analysis of the probe hole results will assist the Geotechnical Engineer to
determine the required class of ground Support.

On an ongoing basis during the excavation phase, a 30-60 meter probe hole
(or as long as is possible to drill) will be carried out. Subsequent probe drilling
will be carried out on a regular/weekly basis maintaining a minimum 10-20
metre overlap from previous probes.

Typically a 89 to 104 mm diameter drill bit will be used which in general offers
the optimum drilling speed coupled with minimal hole deviation.

It is planned to probe on a regular/weekly basis to such a length as to be

sufficient to cover a full week's production. The length of hole achievable
cannot however be guaranteed due to varying geological conditions. Factors
affecting the length of the borehole include.

Penetration rate diminishes with length of the hole.

Direction/ deviation shall occur from the intended alignment of the probe drill.
The effect is usually of a Dip / Downward direction. This usually occurs using
normal dill rods on the Drilling Jumbo.

Loss of flushing water due to fractured ground.

Condition of drilling equipment and accessories.

In general a series of three bore hole will be drilled these being located at the
crown of the tunnel, left hand and right hand side wall between axis and
shoulder height.

If no adverse conditions production are encountered and no groundwater

seepage is observed, drilling and blasting can proceed, although It is always
good practice to grout any probe hole drilled through the face. As previously
stated a 10-20 meter overlap from previous probe holes is to be maintained.

Following observations on rate of penetration, rate of flow of flushing water

going into and coming out of the hole under drilling, colour and nature of
flushing water and particles should be made during Probe Hole Drilling.
Sudden Increase in rate of penetration would indicate weaker formations and
sudden drop In the rate of penetration would indicate tougher formations.
Sudden jump of the drill string would Indicate open joint of joint with weak or
loose matrix. Sudden loss of flushing water would indicate the presence of
open Joints and sudden increase in the rate of flushing water coming out of
the hole would indicate a water bearing zone ahead. Colour of flushing water
coming out of the hole and the flushing would give an idea of the strata ahead.

The following procedures and precautions are to be followed when

drilling probe holes:

Mechanical or inflatable packers are to be available in the work area prior to

the commencement of any probe drilling commences.

Monitor and record the penetration rate whilst drilling, any discolouration of
flushing water and nature of the return cuttings.

The Geotechnical Engineer/Geologist should be in attendance during all

probing operations. The Jumbos are all equipped with MWD (measurement
while drilling) capabilities.

Upon completion of the borehole, flush thoroughly and measure the rate of
flow and pressure of any groundwater inflow.

Where there is discolouration of the flushing water, silt ingress and high water
inflow pressure, the drilling of the hole is to be ceased and a packer installed.

Where significant groundwater inflow/pressure is encountered or where the

analysis shows adverse geological conditions, grouting is to be carried out to
stabilize the ground and significantly reduce any groundwater ingress.

Grouting

The purpose of grouting ahead is to stabilize jointed strata ahead and to seal
the ground water passages before actually entering the jointed or water
bearing zone.
A pressure gauge is to be connected to the packer, and any build up of
pressure is to be measured and recorded.

A permeability test is to be carried out by pumping clear water at a pre

determined pressure in order to ascertain whether the hole will take grout.

The results of the permeability test will determine which type of grout mix is to
be injected

Low permeability- Micro-fine cement based grout

High permeability - OPC cement based grout.

Grout injection pressure will be dictated by the groundwater pressure and

actual site conditions. In general injection would commence at a maximum
of10 bar above static ground pressure.

During grout injection, pressure, grout take and pumping times are to be
monitored and recoded.

Grouting will commence at the lower holes and be alternated between left and
right sides of the tunnel. The upper grout packers will be opened in order to
observe any connection between the lower holes during grout injection.

Where grout is observed leakage through cracks and fissures, these should
be stemmed using discarded cement bags, hessian sacks and wooden
wedges

The water cement ratio of the grout mix would generally be 1:1. If the grout is
found to be flowing freely into the hole, the grout should be progressively
thickened by reducing the water: cement ratio or by addition of sand, saw dust
or chemicals, etc.

Packers are not to be removed until at least 3 hours after the completion of
grouting.

Re drilling of the grout holes should not commence until at least 6 hours after
completion of initial grouting.

The above sequence will be repeated until the completion of grouting.

Construction Materials:
.Cement
Admixtures