EFFC/DFI Support Fluids Task Group
Established in 2017 to investigate the preparation, characteristics and testing of support fluids.
Group Chair
Christophe Justino, M.Sc.
Soletanche Bachy International
Christophe Justino, M.Eng., manages the materials department at Soletanche Bachy. With nearly 20 years of international experience in geotechnical materials, his expertise spans concrete technology, grout materials, drilling fluids, deep foundation works and technical assistance. He is also active in the French federation for civil works.
EFFC/DFI Guide to Support Fluids for Deep Foundations
This guide represents the state of the art for support fluid practice and aims to improve existing design, testing and practices for deep foundation elements – bored piles (drilled shafts), barrettes (LBEs) and diaphragm wall panels. The purpose of this guide is to present current understanding on bentonite, other clays, polymers and blended systems, including the advantages and limitations, in order to allow informed selection of the optimum technical solution(s) for the conditions on each individual worksite. It is intended as a practical addition to existing standards, not a substitute.
This first edition details accepted good practice in the industry. A series of field research studies are underway to collect site data, and to develop and conduct non-standard tests. The results of this research will inform the second edition that is currently in development.