Effect of distribution pattern of DSM columns on the efficiency of liquefaction mitigation

Abstract

Liquefaction during earthquakes can result in severe damage to structures, primarily from excess pore water pressure generation and subsoil softening. Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) is a common method of soil improvement and is also used to decrease shear stress in liquefiable soils to control liquefaction. The current study evaluated the effect of Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) columns and implementation of different column patterns on controlling liquefaction and decreasing settlement of shallow foundations. A series of shaking table physical modelling tests were conducted for three different distribution patterns of Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) columns (i.e.: square, triangular and single) with a treatment area ratio of 30%. The treatment was applied to a liquefiable soil under a shallow model foundation. The results showed that the excess pore water pressure decreased 20% to 50% in comparison with the unimproved soil, depending on the Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) column pattern used. For improved soil, the shallow foundation settlement was about 10% that of the unimproved soil in the best case. The increase in soil shear stiffness after use of the Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) columns was compared with the results of existing practical relations to increase soil shear strength.