Effects of operating parameters of the NSV system on soilcrete characteristics in the Mekong Delta

Abstract

Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and uniformity of soilcrete are strongly influenced by deep mixing equipment and its operating parameters. Soil cement mixing was applied to reinforce the two sections of earth levees (1) 60 m long in An Giang and (2) 30 m long in Dong Thap using the NSV system. Core boring was employed to take field soilcrete samples and UCS tests were conducted to investigate soilcrete characteristics. The results indicate that the field soilcrete achieved high UCS and uniformity along soilcrete columns with blade rotations of 650 times/m, mixing time of 2.5-3.5 minutes/m, rod rotations of 40-50 times/m (penetration) and 70-80 times/m (lift), penetrating speed of 0.5 m/minute and lifting speed of 1.2 m/minute.