A state-of-the-art review of the deep soil mixing technique for ground improvement

This paper presents a brief state-of-the-art review of published research papers, and reports focused on the modelling and testing of soft soils stabilized with deep soil mix (DSM) columns to analyse bearing capacity studies, settlement performance, and failure patterns of the columns. Published research works on deep soil mixing were assembled from the field, laboratory, analytical and numerical investigations to provide easy access to information for future researchers. Deep soil mixing is a ground improvement technique in which soft soil is stabilized in situ using a binder without compaction. The deep soil mixing method has usually been applied to improve soft clays and organic soils for various purposes such as improving bearing capacity, stability, settlement reduction, excavation support, liquefaction mitigation, ground anchorage, and seepage control. This review paper is divided into two sections: basic information and literature related to deep soil mix columns. The section on basic information' gives preliminary and background information on deep soil mixing technique, such as applications, installation patterns, installation techniques, and methods. The second section is the literature review part which includes analytical methods to study the bearing capacity of single and group of deep soil mix columns, and critical factors influencing the bearing capacity with the latest advances in DSM techniques, settlement behaviour, and failure patterns of single and group of DSM columns. A compilation of the important findings from laboratory, field, numerical, and analytical analysis in addition to a summary table is presented in the paper.