Deep Dry Soil Mixing
Pictures
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Contact information
- Dan Adams
- geotechnique@keller.co.uk
Dry Soil Mixing is a highly effective ground treatment system used to improve the load performance characteristics of soft clays, peats and other weak soils . The process employs the effects of both hydration and the bonding of soil particles to increase the shear strength and reduce the compressibility of the soil mass.
Settlement Control
Using purpose designed mixing tools, the system involves the injection of dry lime, cement or a combination of both materials directly into the soil. Lime is suitable for inorganic soil, giving immediate stiffness and dessication. Lime-Cement columns are used in organic soils such as peats and lacustrine silts and clays commonly found in Scandinavia and parts of the UK
Design
Based on a simple examination of the type and thickness of the soft soil in combination with loading and deformation details an assessment is made whether or not the system is appropriate for stabilisation with the LC Method. Laboratory tests are undertaken using samples of the soil to be treated mixed with different proportions of of lime and cement. From these results\we can prepare a design and drawings indicating spacing,the amount of binder column diameter etc.
The dry soil mix/LC process process can reduce settlements beneath proposed embankments, roads, railways, hard standings and in reclamation schemes.
The system is particularly suited to soils that are too soft for even bottom feed vibroreplacement or where the costs of a fully suspended piled solution would be prohibitive
