Numerical Simulation of Slurry Diffusion in Fractured Rocks Considering a Time-Varying Viscosity

To analyze the effects of a time -varying viscosity on the penetration length of grouting, in this study cement slurries with varying water -cement ratios have been investigated using the Bingham's fluid flow equation and a discrete element method. A fluid -solid coupling numerical model has been introduced accordingly, and its accuracy has been validated through comparison of theoretical and numerical solutions. For different fracture forms (a single fracture, a branch fracture, and a fracture network), the influence of the time -varying viscosity on the slurry length range has been investigated, considering the change in the fracture aperture. The results show that under different fracture forms and the same grouting process conditions, the influence of the time -varying viscosity on the seepage length is 0.350 m.