Quality Assessment and Quality Control of Deep Soil Mixing Construction for Stabilizing Expansive Subsoils
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 136, Issue 1
Abstract
This paper presents the process and results of a quality management program performed during and immediately after the construction of two deep soil mixing (DSM) test sections. The quality management program consisted of laboratory, in situ, and mineralogical tests to address the effectiveness of the treatment during and after construction. In situ investigations including the down-hole seismic and spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) test methods were performed to evaluate the degree of improvement achieved through the measurement of compression and shear-wave velocities of the columns and surrounding soils. Scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive x-ray analysis were performed on raw, laboratory treated and field-treated specimens for qualitative understanding of the degree of mixing achieved in the field and the compounds formed at particle level during stabilization, respectively. Laboratory tests results on field cores indicated that both field stiffness and strength are about 20 to 40% less than the corresponding laboratory prepared soil samples. The down-hole seismic and SASW tests showed considerable improvement in stiffness in and around the DSM columns. Mineralogical studies indicated the formation of silica and alumina hydrates along with interwoven structure of lime-cement treated clay particles in both laboratory and field specimens, suggesting adequate mixing of the soil and binder in both environments.
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Acknowledgments
This project was conducted in cooperation with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The writers acknowledge Mr. David Head, P.E.; Mr. Richard Williammee, P.E., Project Director; Dr. German Claros, P.E.; Mr. Stanley Yin, P.E.; and Dr. Zhiming Si, P.E., TxDOT for their support of this study. The writers acknowledge the assistance of the TxDOT Fort Worth District personnel for their help in the construction of test sections. Writers thank Mr. Christopher Shirey and Mr. Benjamin Anderson for their assistance during field monitoring and data collection.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 136 • Issue 1 • January 2010
Pages: 119 - 128
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 17, 2008
Accepted: Jun 23, 2009
Published online: Jul 1, 2009
Published in print: Jan 2010
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