a method for forming a consolidated gravel pack in a washed - out interval is provided where a borehole penetrates an unconsolidated or loosely consolidated oil or gas reservoir which is likely to introduce substantial amounts of sand into the borehole . after perforating the borehole &# 39 ; s casing at a washed - out interval of the formation , sand is introduced into the interval . afterwards , an aqueous hydroxide solution is injected into said interval . next , a spacer volume of a water - immiscible hydrocarbonaceous liquid slug is injected into the interval . thereafter , a water - miscible organic solvent slug containing alkylpolysilicate is injected into the interval . a permeability retentive silica cement is formed in the interval thereby making a consolidated gravel pack . injection of the aqueous hydroxide and alkylpolysilicate slugs is continued until silica cement has been deposited to an extent sufficient to exclude formation fines and sand .