Deep Soil Mixing

The principle of the Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) is to improve the strength properties of the soil by mixing it with the binder (i.e., cement slurry, cement-fly ash slurry or bentonite). As a result, a solidified mixture of soil and cement is created with considerably higher strength and mechanical parameters. The installation of DSM columns involved the introduction of rotating auger into the subsoil which destroys the soil structure and mixes it with the injected binder. Typically, augers consisting of a drilling rod and cross bars are used. The soil mixing process is aided by injecting the cement through nozzles located at the end of the drilling rod. The column formation stage starts after reaching the designed depth. DSM columns may be successfully applied as the improvement for footings, bridge abutment, wind turbine foundation, excavation lining, etc. Wherever silty or sandy soils exist, the application of this technology is particularly efficient. The length and arrangement of the columns depend on the load transferred to the columns and maximum allowable deformations of the structure. Due to the lack of soil movements and vibrations during the column forming process, this technology is perfectly suited for stabilisation of the subsoil nearby existing buildings or facilities.