The Deep mixing (DM) methodis basically a soil improvement method which improves soil properties through mixing additives into soil with the help of mixing tools to a certain depth. In this way,construction sites with soil softening and liquefaction problems can be treated, which then can be used in construction safely. Deep mixing has proven to be an effective improvement method in soil liquefaction, and is now widelyused. It is also used by soil engineers to increase bearing capacities of piles and foundations, for roadway stabilization and ground improvement for embankments and reservoirs.
Deep mixing refers to a process of mixing various kinds of additives, such as accelerants, binders and cement into soils in a certain depth to improve the properties of the soil. The additives usually deepen the soil and increase the shear strength, improve the bearing capacity and reduce settlement of the ground. Furthermore,it can also be used to mitigate liquefaction and/or other soil-related problems. Deep mixing was developed to not only improve soil but also to reduce the settlement on excavated slopes.
In general, deep mixing is the idealchoice for liquefaction prevention since it is efficient and cost-effective. It is effective because it deepens the soil and increases the shear strength, improves the bearing capacity and reduce the settlements of the ground. Furthermore, by mixing a lithium grout solution into the soil, the competent depth of the soil is increased as well. It has been proven to significantly reduce the liquefaction potential of a soil, thus decrease the risk of related effects following a seismic event.
Furthermore, deep mixing also has the potential to improv ethe soil strength, reduce the settlement of slopes, stabilize embankments and other structures, and increase pile or foundation bearing capacity. As mentioned before, it can be used to improve soft or liquefiable soils, which would usually require costly structural solutions, such as concrete piles or deep foundations.
However, deep mixing is not without drawbacks. One of the biggest issues is that it is somewhat complicated and expensive to install and execute. The materials used in deep mixing are costly, and it is also a highly specialized process. Additionally, the work involved with deep mixing can be quite labor-intensive and it can interfere with nearby activities.
In conclusion, deep mixing is an effective, although not always cheap solution for soil improvement and liquefaction prevention. It has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective method of improving soil properties, including bearing capacity and soil stabilization, and is widely used by soil engineers. However, it can be labor-intensive and expensive, so it is important to weigh the costs and benefits before proceeding.
