Economical Mixing Method for Cement Deep Mixing

The results of unconfined compression and oedometer compression tests confirmed the existence of optimum mixing clay water content for economical and efficient mixing of cement and clay for the deep mixing method (DMM) application. The optimum mixing clay water content (C_w,opt) is defined as the total clay water content of the clay-water-cement mixture that would yield the highest possible improvement in strength of cured cement-admixed clay. A concept supporting the existence of optimum mixing clay water content is discussed together with a conceptual diagram of the clay-water-air-cement interactions. Based on the test results presented, the C_w,opt would fall near the liquid limit of the base clay. Significantly, at this optimum mixing water content, only 10% cement content by weight is needed instead of the corresponding 17% in the conventional method of mixing, with a consequent 40% reduction of cost of cement.