Deep soil mixing for ground improvement of soft sensitive clay in Ontario

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This proposed research is to investigate the feasibility of applying the deep mixing method (DMM) for ground improvement of soft sensitive clay in Ontario. Soft sensitive clay is prominent in eastern Canada. It is extremely sensitive with a very low shear strength. To allow structures built on this clay, the ground has to be improved. Among many available ground improvement techniques, DMM is an innovative technique which improves the ground by in-situ mixing soil with a lime or cement binder. Its unique advantages include quick strength increase, less adverse environmental impact, high cost efficiency over a large area, and wide soil applicability. Due to its versatility, it has been successfully applied around the world, including western Canada. However, it has not been introduced to Ontario due to lack of supporting test data. This research is to address this need by conducting a detailed geotechnical investigation on deep mixing of soft sensitive clays in Ontario with a binder and performing a thorough numerical analysis on the optimum design of DMM for cost-effective highway construction on soft sensitive clay. The research project will allow the training of highly qualified personnel. The findings of this research will help to introduce this cost-effective ground improvement technique for the infrastructure development in Ontario.