JET GROUTING SOLUTIONS
Schnabel, one of the nation’s leading design-build contractors, offers top-tier jet grouting solutions tailored to address complex operational challenges and support clients in achieving their construction objectives.
Jet grouting is a highly effective technique for minimizing groundwater seepage into subterranean structures, and it’s also a reliable method for underpinning existing buildings and providing excavation support.
As a trusted expert in jet grouting, Schnabel specializes in the creation of cement-stabilized soil that ensures both groundwater control and robust foundation support.
With decades of hands-on experience, Schnabel has the knowledge and skillset to help you navigate your jobsite challenges and meet your construction goals efficiently.
JET GROUTING SOLUTIONS
Jet grouting is a specialized technique that involves injecting cement grout into soil on-site to create a stabilized soil column. This process enhances the soil’s strength and reduces its permeability, transforming it into an engineered material ideal for foundation support and groundwater management. With stringent quality control, jet grouting solutions enable the creation of solid, reliable soil structures used in various applications, such as underpinning existing buildings and constructing cutoff walls for excavation support.
The method begins by drilling a small-diameter pipe, usually around 4 inches, to the desired treatment depth. Once the pipe reaches the target depth, high-pressure cement grout—typically around 6,000 psi—is injected through strategically placed ports at the bottom of the drill pipe. As the pipe is rotated and withdrawn, the grout creates a circular column of treated soil. The speed at which the pipe is withdrawn can be adjusted to vary the diameter of the jet grout columns. These columns can either be placed for vertical support or overlapped to form a continuous barrier to control the movement of groundwater or stabilize weak soil layers.

Jet grouting is particularly advantageous in areas with existing underground utilities or other obstructions, as the small-diameter pipe can maneuver between these elements to effectively create larger soil columns below. This versatility makes jet grouting an invaluable solution in complex subsurface conditions.
A CRUCIAL PARTNER FOR CLIENTS WITH COMPLEX PROJECTS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
JET GROUTING CASE STUDIES
Lower Olentangy Tunnel Project | Columbus, OH
Granite Construction, the general contractor, hired Schnabel for jet grouting along the 3.2-mile tunnel. Grouting was planned at 4 tunnel shafts for TBM break-in and break-out, 12 Safe Haven sites for cutterhead replacement, and 5 locations where a water main crosses the TBM alignment. Despite project challenges, Schnabel completed the work ahead of schedule.
J Avenue Water Treatment Plant | Cedar Rapid, IA
Schnabel installed 67 jet grout columns to support the expansion of the J Avenue water treatment plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This project required an excavation adjacent to an existing structure. The continuous wall of jet grout columns was successful in retaining the soil and water behind the wall and no measurable settlement of the tank structure occurred.
The Minneapolis Children’s Hospital project was Schnabel’s first application of jet grouting to underpin an existing structure in lieu of traditional hand-dug underpinning pits. The project team was very pleased with the performance of the jet grout underpinning system.