Efficiency Evaluation of Deep Soil Mixing Method in Stiff Clayey Soils: A Comprehensive Field Study
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24, Issue 11
Abstract
The quality of deep soil mixing (DSM) columns in fine-grained soils remains challenging and needs to be addressed unequivocally to solve the existing practical problems. Breakthroughs can be achieved through field investigations; hence in the present study, the results of a field study on 16 DSM elements with various mix designs in cohesive clayey soils are presented. The rig data, continuous full-depth coring, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were used to evaluate the strength and uniformity of DSM columns. The results shed light on the fact that the occurrence of entrained mixing phenomena, an issue in which cohesive soils stick the blades, could be estimated using rig data, which might be solved by implementing a water predrilling phase. Furthermore, by following the fluctuations in the pull-down, rotary, and hoist pressures of the drilling rig data, the uniformity of DSM elements could be assessed indirectly. Based on the finding, it is noticeable that a conspicuous discrepancy has been observed between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) equation for predicting the UCS of DSM columns and the captured results. Furthermore, the correlations between elastic modulus and UCS of DSM elements were about the half of values by FHWA.
Practical Applications
The implementation of offshore mega projects, such as refinery sites, can pose significant challenges, particularly when dealing with cohesive clayey soils with inadequate strength. In such circumstances, conducting deep soil mixing as a soil improvement method can emerge as a viable solution. The present study illustrates the detailed process of selecting the best mix design using the results of a comprehensive field validation program in Hormozgan. Drilling in stiff clayey soils is highly prone to sticking soils to the drilling auger, which hinders the proper functions of auger blades. The problem can be remarkably controlled by adding a predrilling phase to the mix design. Moreover, continuous monitoring of the critical drilling machine parameters, such as induced pressures, can shed light on the quality of deep soil mixing columns, without conducting extra field tests that play a key role in the project costs. The findings of the study can serve as a benchmark for engineers, contractors, and clients who are involved in soil improvement projects that utilize the deep soil mixing method.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This study was carried out in collaboration with the Baspar Pey Iranian (BPI) company (https://basparpey.com). All of the data presented in the present study are provided by BPI company and the authors sincerely appreciate this company for all the support.
References
Amrioui, J., A. Le Kouby, M. Duc, J.-S. Guedon, and F. Lansac. 2023. “Relationship between porosity and water permeability for deep soil mixing material.” Int. J. Geomech. 23 (7): 04023086. https://doi.org/10.1061/IJGNAI.GMENG-8447.
Bergado, D., and G. Lorenzo. 2005. “Economical mixing method for cement deep mixing.” In Proc., GeoFrontiers 2005: Innovations in Grouting and Soil Improvement (CD-ROM), edited by V. R. Schaefer, D. A. Bruce, and M. J. Byle, 1–10. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Bruce, M. E. C., R. R. Berg, G. M. Filz, M. Terashi, D. S. Yang, J. G. Collin, and S. Geotechnica. 2013. Federal Highway Administration design manual: Deep mixing for embankment and foundation support. Washington, DC: US Federal Highway Administration, Offices of Research & Development.
Chen, J.-J., L. Zhang, J.-F. Zhang, Y.-F. Zhu, and J.-H. Wang. 2013. “Field tests, modification, and application of deep soil mixing method in soft clay.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 139 (1): 24–34. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000746.
Filz, G., T. Adams, M. Navin, and A. Templeton. 2012. “Design of deep mixing for support of levees and floodwalls.” In Proc., Grouting and Deep Mixing: 4th International Conference on Grouting and Deep Mixing, Geotechnical Special Publication 228, 89–133, Reston, VA: ASCE.
Han, J. 2015. Principles and practice of ground improvement. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Ignat, R., S. Baker, S. Larsson, and S. Liedberg. 2015. “Two-and three-dimensional analyses of excavation support with rows of dry deep mixing columns.” Comput. Geotech. 66: 16–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2015.01.011.
Jamsawang, P., D. Bergado, A. Bandari, and P. Voottipruex. 2008. “Investigation and simulation of behavior of stiffened deep cement mixing (SDCM) piles.” Int. J. Geotech. Eng. 2 (3): 229–246. https://doi.org/10.3328/IJGE.2008.02.03.229-246.
Jiang, Y., J. Han, and G. Zheng. 2013. “Numerical analysis of consolidation of soft soils fully-penetrated by deep-mixed columns.” KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 17(1): 96–105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-013-1641-x.
Jiang, Y., G. Zheng, and J. Han. 2017. “Numerical evaluation of consolidation of soft foundations improved by sand–deep-mixed composite columns.” Int. J. Geomech. 17 (8): 04017034. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000907.
Jung, C., R. Ceglarek, T. Clauvelin, M. Ayeldeen, and D. Kim. 2020. “Deep soil mixing in Sabkha soils for foundation support in United Arab Emirates.” Int. J. Geosynth. Ground Eng. 6 (1): 3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40891-020-0188-4.
Kitazume, M. 2021. “Recent development and future perspectives of quality control and assurance for the deep mixing method.” Appl. Sci. 11 (19): 9155. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11199155.
Kitazume, M. 2022. Quality control and assurance of the deep mixing method. Leiden, Netherlands: CRC Press.
Kitazume, M., and M. Terashi. 2013. The deep mixing method. Boca Raton, FL: CRC press.
Liu, S.-Y., Y.-J. Du, Y.-L. Yi, and A. J. Puppala. 2012. “Field investigations on performance of T-shaped deep mixed soil cement column–supported embankments over soft ground.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 138 (6): 718–727. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000625.
Liu, Y., Y. Jiang, H. Xiao, and F. Lee. 2017. “Determination of representative strength of deep cement-mixed clay from core strength data.” Géotechnique 67 (4): 350–364. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.16.P.105.
Madhyannapu, R. S., and A. J. Puppala. 2014. “Design and construction guidelines for deep soil mixing to stabilize expansive soils.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 140 (9): 04014051. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0001149.
Mohanty, M., and J. Shahu. 2021. “Laboratory investigation on performance of soil–cement columns under axisymmetric condition.” Int. J. Civ. Eng. 19(8): 957–971. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40999-021-00612-0.
Rashid, A. S. A., A. B. H. Kueh, and H. Mohamad. 2018. “Behaviour of soft soil improved by floating soil–cement columns.” Int. J. Phys. Modell. Geotech. 18 (2): 95–116. https://doi.org/10.1680/jphmg.15.00041.
Teerawattanasuk, C., and P. Voottipruex. 2014. “Influence of clay and silt proportions on cement-treated fine-grained soil.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 26 (3): 420–428. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000813.
Yao, K., Z. Yao, X. Song, X. Zhang, J. Hu, and X. Pan. 2016. “Settlement evaluation of soft ground reinforced by deep mixed columns.” Int. J. Pavement Res. Technol. 9 (6): 460–465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijprt.2016.07.003.
Yapage, N., D. Liyanapathirana, R. B. Kelly, H. G. Poulos, and C. J. Leo. 2014. “Numerical modeling of an embankment over soft ground improved with deep cement mixed columns: Case history.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 140 (11): 04014062. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0001165.
Yi, Y., S. Liu, and A. Puppala. 2016. “Laboratory modelling of T-shaped soil–cement column for soft ground treatment under embankment.” Géotechnique 66 (1): 85–89. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.15.P.019.
Yi, Y., S. Liu, A. J. Puppala, and F. Jing. 2019. “Variable-diameter deep mixing column for multi-layered soft ground improvement: Laboratory modeling and field application.” Soils Found. 59 (3): 633–643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sandf.2019.01.009.
Yin, J.-H., and Z. Fang. 2010. “Physical modeling of a footing on soft soil ground with deep cement mixed soil columns under vertical loading.” Mar. Georesour. Geotechnol. 28 (2): 173–188. https://doi.org/10.1080/10641191003780872.
Yoshitake, I., K. Nakagawa, T. Mitsui, T. Yoshikawa, and A. Ikeda. 2004. “An evaluation method of ground improvement by jet grouting.” Tunnelling Underground Space Technol. 19 (4–5): 496–497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2004.02.094.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 6, 2023
Accepted: May 20, 2024
Published online: Aug 30, 2024
Published in print: Nov 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jan 30, 2025
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Clays
- Compressive strength
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Field tests
- Foundation construction
- Foundations
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Material mechanics
- Material properties
- Materials engineering
- Soil compression
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil mixing
- Soil properties
- Soil strength
- Soils (by type)
- Strength of materials
- Structural behavior
- Structural engineering
- Structural strength
- Tests (by type)
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.