two-dimensional analysis of the failure mechanisms of an...

IN DEGREE PROJECT CIVIL ENGINEERING AND URBAN MANAGEMENT,SECOND CYCLE, 30 CREDITS

, STOCKHOLM SWEDEN 2017

Two-dimensional analysis of the failure mechanisms of an embankment supported by rows of dry deep mixing columns.

BIEKE PEETERS

KTH ROYAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYSCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Contents

1 Introduction 11.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.2 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.3 Disposition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.4 Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Literature review 42.1 Deep mixing method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.1.1 Current state of practice of the deep mixing method . . . . . . . . . 42.1.1.1 Installation and production of deep mixing columns . . . . 5

2.1.2 Properties of mixing materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82.1.3 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.2 Failure of deep mixing stabilized ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102.2.1 Current Swedish design method for stabilized ground . . . . . . . . 102.2.2 All failure mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.3 Research on embankment supported by deep mixing columns . . . . . . . . 142.3.1 Numerical analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.3.1.1 Continuous shear panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182.3.2 Laboratory tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2.4 Research on excavation supported with rows of dry deep mixing columns . 242.5 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3 General methodology 273.1 Geometrical model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283.2 Material properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

4 Analytical calculations 324.1 Extrusion of soft ground between shear walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324.2 Internal stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

4.2.1 No reduction of strength and stiffness at the overlap . . . . . . . . . 384.2.1.1 Undrained shear strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384.2.1.2 Drained shear strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

4.2.2 Reduction of strength and stiffness at the overlap . . . . . . . . . . 41

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4.2.2.1 Undrained shear strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414.2.2.2 Drained shear strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

4.2.3 Calculation safety factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

5 Numerical calculations 475.1 Geometrical model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475.2 Material model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

5.2.1 Mohr-Coulomb model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505.2.2 Material properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

5.2.2.1 Properties of the overlap of the DM columns . . . . . . . . 525.2.2.2 Properties of the column and overlap zones in the 2D model 53

5.2.3 Definition of failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 555.2.4 Safety analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

5.3 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565.3.1 Analysis of the failure mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

5.3.1.1 Quality of overlap: 50% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575.3.1.2 Quality of overlap: 25% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605.3.1.3 Quality of overlap: 100% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

5.3.2 Safety factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

6 General discussion 666.1 Risk for extrusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 666.2 Influence of overlap between adjacent columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 666.3 How representative is LEM compared to numerical analysis? . . . . . . . . 67

7 Conclusions 69

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Summary

In geotechnical engineering, a technique called ”deep-mixing method” is often used to im-prove soil. The deep-mixing method, a deep in-situ stabilization technique using cementor lime as a binder has been applied to improve soft soils [1]. The internal failure of theimproved ground will be investigated in this study. The internal failure of the deep mixingcolumns is the failure taking place in the columns due to their low strength [2]. Shear wallsconstructed by overlapping individual deep mixing columns contain vertical joints causedby the reduced width of the wall at the overlap between adjacent columns. These verticaljoints can be weaker by misalignment during construction, which reduces the efficiencyof the overlap [3]. To analyse the shear failure of the improved soil, the improved soil isassumed to behave as a composite soil volume with an average strength and stiffness. Thestrength and the stiffness of the composite soil are calculated using the weighted averageof the stiffness and strength of the lime-cement columns and the surrounding soil. Theinternal failure can be investigated using the limit equilibrium method or two-dimensionalnumerical analysis. When the shear walls are widely spaced, a failure mechanism in whichthe slip surface will develop between the shear panels, can occur. Extrusion of the softground between the shear walls is checked in this study.

The aim of this study consist of two main subjects: 1) The acceptable distances betweenthe shear panels against extrusion are investigated to check when the composite soil modelagainst internal failure is valid. 2) The potential influence from the overlap zones betweenadjacent columns is investigated. This will be done by performing calculations with boththe limit equilibrium method and two-dimensional numerical analysis with varying strengthof the overlap zones.The main conclusions of this study are:

• The factor-of-safety-values are smaller for the numerical analyses compared to thelimit equilibrium method. The overestimation of the safety factor is higher for lowerembankment loads. It is recommended that this should be further studied in futurework.

• There is a possibility that the composite soil volume will not fail in shear so thatan analysis using the limit equilibrium method will not be enough. A shear failuremode develops when the quality of overlap is weak, an external sliding failure occurswhen the quality of overlap is strong.

• It can be concluded that it is better to include the reduced quality of overlap in theanalytical calculations, following the method proposed in this study, in order to geta safe design because the safety factor decreases when the quality of overlap reduces.

Keywords: Lime, cement, deep mixing columns, limit equilibrium method, finite elementanalysis.

iii

Sammanfattning

ȧ Inom geotekniken anvnds vanligen kalk-cement pelare för att förbttra Jorden. Metodenanvänder cement eller kalk som bindemedel för att förstärka jorden och utgörs av pelaresom placeras i olika mönster beroende pȧ typ av förstärkning. I samband med dessa typerav förstärkningar kan den förstärkta jorden gȧ till olika typer av brott, där en ett inreskjuvbrott i form av en glidyta har studerats i detta arbete. Denna typ av brott utvecklatsi den förstärka jorden när dess skjuvhȧllfasthet är lȧg. När kalk-cement pelarna placeras irader uppstȧr en överlappning mellan pelarna, vars hȧllfasthet kan vara lägre pȧ grund avavvikelser i sidled vilket reducerar hȧllfastheten för detta omrȧde.Säkerheten mot brott beräknas vanligtvis med en förenklad jämviktanalys där glidytanbetraktas som en stel kropp, men kan även beräknas med numeriska analyser för atterhȧlla en mer korrekt bild av händelseförloppet. I bȧda dessa tvȧ-dimensionella analyserbetraktas raderna av pelarna med en kompositmodell bestȧende av jord med tillhörandekalk-cementpelare. Ett annat brott som kan inträffa är utglidning mellan raderna av pelareom de placeras för brett isär.Syftet med detta arbete har varit att: (1) beräkna acceptabla avȧstnd mellan kalk-cementpelarnaför det undersöta fallet för att förhindra utglidning mellan pelarna, (2) undersöka hur vari-ation i hȧllfastheten i överlappzonen pȧverkar säkerheten mot glidning och (3) undersökaskillnaden i beräknad säkerhet jämfört med jämviktanalys och numerisk tvȧ-dimensionellberäkning.Resultaten frȧn det utförda arbetet visar att:

• Säkerhetsfaktorn är mindre för de numeriska analyserna jämfört med analytisk jämvik-tanalys. Skillnaden är väsentligt högre vid lȧga belastningar. Det rekommenderasatt detta studeras vidare i framtida arbete.

• De numeriska analyserna visar att det är mjligt att den förstärkta jorden inte gȧrtill brott genom en utvecklad glidyta sȧsom antas i jämviktanalysen. Ett glidbrottförefaller att utvecklas om hȧllfastheten i den överlappande zonen är lȧg, medandetta inte sker dȧ hȧllfastheten i den överlappande zonen inte reduceras.

• Det kan konstateras att den potentiellt reducerade hȧllfastheten i den överlappandezonen bör tas med i beräkningarna dȧ den leder till en nȧgot lägre säkerhetsfaktor.

Nyckeord: kalk, cement, kalk-cement pelare, jämviktsanalys, fem

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List of symbols

su,col . . . . . . . . . . . . undrained shear strength of the lime-cement columnssu,soil . . . . . . . . . . . undrained shear strength of the soila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . area replacement ratioe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . overlap distance between columnsα . . . . . . . . . . . . . one half of the chord angle/the chord anglec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chord length of overlapAo . . . . . . . . . . . . . area of overlap zone between the columnsAc . . . . . . . . . . . . . area of the columns without overlapbo2D . . . . . . . . . . . . effective width of overlap zonebc2D . . . . . . . . . . . . effective width of columns without overlapaso . . . . . . . . . . . . . area replacement ratio of the overlap zoneasc . . . . . . . . . . . . . area replacement ratio of the columns� . . . . . . . . . . . . . . strain�e . . . . . . . . . . . . . elastic part of the strain�p . . . . . . . . . . . . . plastic part of the strainc′ . . . . . . . . . . . . . cohesionφ

′. . . . . . . . . . . . . friction angle, based on effective stress

σ′

. . . . . . . . . . . . . normal effective stress on the failure planeτf . . . . . . . . . . . . . shear strengthρ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . unit weightsu . . . . . . . . . . . . . undrained shear strengthsu,c . . . . . . . . . . . . undrained shear strength of columnssu,o . . . . . . . . . . . . undrained shear strength of overlapE . . . . . . . . . . . . . Young’s modulusEc . . . . . . . . . . . . . Young’s modulus of columnsEo . . . . . . . . . . . . . Young’s modulus of overlapν

′. . . . . . . . . . . . . Poisson’s ratio

σc . . . . . . . . . . . . . compressive strengthσc,c . . . . . . . . . . . . compressive strength of columnsσc,o . . . . . . . . . . . . compressive strength of overlapσt . . . . . . . . . . . . . tensile strengthσt,c . . . . . . . . . . . . tensile strength of columnsσt,o . . . . . . . . . . . . tensile strength of overlapK0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . earth pressure at restψ . . . . . . . . . . . . . angle of dilatancyρunsat . . . . . . . . . . . unsaturated unit weightρsat . . . . . . . . . . . . saturated unit weightsu,c2D . . . . . . . . . . . composite shear strength of column zonesu,s . . . . . . . . . . . . shear strength of the soil between columnsEc,2D . . . . . . . . . . . composite Young’s modulus of column zone

v

Es . . . . . . . . . . . . . Young’s modulus of the soil between columnssu,o2D . . . . . . . . . . . composite shear strength of the overlap zoneEo2D . . . . . . . . . . . . composite Young’s modulus of the overlap zoneσt,c2D . . . . . . . . . . . composite tensile strength of the column zoneσt,s . . . . . . . . . . . . tensile strength of the soil between columnsσt,o2D . . . . . . . . . . . . composite tensile strength of the overlap zonea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the ratio between the area of the column to the area of the

soilAcolumn,1 . . . . . . . . . . the area of the column including overlapAsegment . . . . . . . . . . half of the area of overlap between adjacent columnsAslice . . . . . . . . . . . ratio of the column area to the centre-to-centre distance of

the columnsc1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . centre-to-centre distance of the columnsc2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . distance between two deep mixing rowsτclay . . . . . . . . . . . . drained shear strength of the clayτcol . . . . . . . . . . . . . drained shear strength of the deep mixing columnsuw . . . . . . . . . . . . . pore water pressureσ′v . . . . . . . . . . . . . effective vertical stressσv . . . . . . . . . . . . . total vertical stressτaverage . . . . . . . . . . average drained shear strengthΣMomentsresisting . . . . the sum of the resisting moments for extrusion of soft

ground between shear wallsΣMomentsactivating . . . . the sum of the activating moments for extrusion of soft

ground between shear wallsA . . . . . . . . . . . . . the area of the sliding mass of clayr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the radius of the critical slip circlex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . weighting factor, you weight the area of the column without

overlap to the total column areay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . weighting factor, you weight the area of the two overlaps to

the total column areasu,overlap . . . . . . . . . . undrained shear strength of overlapE . . . . . . . . . . . . . Young’s modulusν . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poisson’s ratioψ . . . . . . . . . . . . . angle of dilatancy�e . . . . . . . . . . . . . elastic part of the strain rate�p . . . . . . . . . . . . . plastic part of the strain rate

vi

Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Background

To build a highway or railway embankment, a soil that can carry the applied loads withoutcollapsing is needed. Since in Sweden, the surface consists mainly of soft soil, soil improve-ment is often necessary to be sure that the applied loads can be carried without failureof the soil. In geotechnical engineering, a technique called ”deep-mixing method” is oftenused to improve soil. The deep-mixing method, a deep in-situ stabilization technique usingcement or lime as a binder has been applied to improve soft soils [1]. Binders like lime orcement are injected and mixed with the soil using special equipment. After the mixtureprocess, the binder hydrates and reacts with the soil to form hard soil columns which aremuch stronger and stiffer than the ambient soft soil. It has been used extensively sincethe 1970s to reduce settlement and to improve stability of for example railway embank-ments [4]. Lime columns were mainly used till the 1990s. Lime-cement colums replacedthe lime columns since the 1990s and they are used a lot nowadays [5]. The properties ofthe improved soil depend on the amount and characteristics of the cement-lime binder, thecharacteristics of the soil and the mixing and curing conditions [6].

Despite the succesful use of these lime-cement columns in the design of highay and railwayembankments, column failures or unexpected deformations occured in a few cases, evenwhen the design was made with sufficient high safety factors [8]. Analytical design methodsused nowadays to calculate the stability of the lime-cement columns can overestimatethe stability. In the majority of the cases where limit equilibrium methods are used toanalyse the stability, the limit equilibrium method will overestimate the factor of safetyof the structure compared to numerical analyses [7]. This happens because in addition toshear failure, numerical analysis can capture failure mechanisms not included in the limitequilibrium method.

The current Swedish design method for stabilized ground, described in TK Geo 13 [9]and [10] assumes that the improved soil volume behaves as a composite soil volume. Thestrength and the stiffness of the composite soil are calculated using the weighted average

1

Objectives 2

of the stiffness and strength of the lime-cement columns and the surrounding soil. Failureshould be checked in internal stability and external stability. The external stability isthe global failure of the improved ground area without any failure in the columns. Theinternal failure of the deep mixing columns is the failure taking place in the columns dueto their low strength [2]. In internal stability, the columns will fail by shearing all atthe same time. The stability of the embankment is analysed using a slip circle analysiswith an average strength and stiffness used for the composite soil volume. Shear wallsconstructed by overlapping individual deep mixing columns contain vertical joints causedby the reduced width of the wall at the overlap between adjacent columns. These verticaljoints can be weaker by misalignment during construction, which reduces the efficiency ofthe overlap [3]. The Swedish design method for stabilized ground does not take the effectof weaker overlap zones into account. Extrusion of the soft ground between the columnsshould also be checked. Extrusion of the soft clay ground could occur if the shear walls arewidely spaced.

1.2 Objectives

The objectives of the study are summarized as follows:

1. Investigate the acceptable distances between the shear panels against extrusion tocheck when the composite soil model against internal failure is valid.

(a) An analytical method to calculate the safety factors for extrusion of soft groundis made.

2. Investigate the potential influence from the overlap zones between adjacent columns.This will be done by performing calculations with both the limit equilibrium methodand two-dimensional numerical analysis with varying strength of the overlap zones.

(a) Compare the safety factors for internal stability calculated according to theSwedish design code for stabilized ground using the limit equilibrium methodwith the safety factors calculated using a 2D finite element model.

(b) A method to calculate the safety factors for internal stability taking weakeroverlaps into account is made. Compare the safety factors for internal stabilitycalculated using the limit equilibrium method considering the strength of theoverlap zones with the safety factors calculated using a 2D finite element model.

(c) Investigate the influence of the reduction of strength and stiffness in the overlapzones on the 2D numerical model.

1.3 Disposition

This thesis contains a review of studies and research performed concerning the failuremechanisms of deep mixing columns. Further, it contains a number of chapters that

Limitations 3

describe the methodology used to calculate safety factors for internal failure.

• Chapter 1: Literature review.A brief overview of studies and research performed so far concerning the failuremechanisms of deep mixing columns.

• Chapter 2: General methodology.A particular case where deep mixing columns are installed in rows of overlappingcolumns is studied. The properties and geometry of this particular case are describedin this chapter.

• Chapter 3: Analytical calculations.The method to obtain an analytical solution for internal failure and extrusion of thesoft ground between shear walls will be described here, as well as the obtained results.

• Chapter 4: Numerical calculations.Numerical analysis was performed to investigate the failure behaviour of deep mixingcolumns supporting a highway or railway embankment. A sensitivity analysis of thenumerical model is performed. The method used to make this numerical modelis described in this chapter. The results obtained from the numerical model arediscussed, as well as the comparison between the results of the numerical model andthe analytical solution. The influence of the overlap quality on the numerical modelis discussed as well.

• Chapter 5: General discussion.The overall results are discussed in this chapter with respect to the objectives.

• Chapter 6: Conclusions and recommendations.The conclusions drawn from the results of the numerical model and the analyticalsolution will be summarized here. Recommendations for further research are given.

1.4 Limitations

This study is not based on any specific site condition. The typical ground conditionwas chosen from literature with the care of choosing suitable parameters. Therefore, theresults obtained cannot be compared to any measurements of a real life situation. Anotherlimitation of this study is that the results of the 2D numerical model cannot be comparedto the results of a 3D numerical model. Therefore, it is insecure in which cases the 2Dmodels are good or bad representations of the 3D real situations. One failure mode willnot be checked by using the numerical 2D model, namely the extrusion of clay betweenthe shear wall panels.

Chapter 2

Literature review

2.1 Deep mixing method

The deep mixing method, a deep in-situ soil stabilization technique using lime and/orcement as a binder has been used in Sweden successfully for the last 40 years to supportrailway or highway embankments, specifically to increase their stability and to reduce theirsettlement [4]. Since the 1970s research has been done independently through differentcountries such as Sweden, Japan, US, China, Thailand. After the first conference aboutdeep mixing method in Japan in 1996, information about the method have been sharedworldwide [2].

2.1.1 Current state of practice of the deep mixing method

The deep mixing method consists of mechanical mixing of the in-situ soil with cementitiousmaterials in order to form columns or panels of improved ground. The deep mixing methodsuses quicklime, slaked lime, cement, fly ash or other agents as a binder [13]. Two differentmethods exist: dry method of deep mixing and wet method of deep mixing. In the drymethod of deep mixing dry powdered lime and cement are used as the stabilizing agents.In the wet method of deep mixing cement in a slurry form is used as a stabilizing agent[13]. In Sweden, dry binders are exclusively distributed in the soil. The wet mixing methodcan be used in soft clays, silts and fine-grained sands [14]. The wet mixing method is notapplicable when the water content is high because a high water/binder ratio may result ina lower strength [15],[16]. The wet method will produce homogeneous columns more easilycompared to the dry mixing method. The dry mixing method can be used for soft soilswith high moisture content. The advantages of the dry mixing method include lower watercontent of the improved soil, lower binder quality and generally higher strength [15].Stabilizing binders used in practice are Portland cement and quick lime in the majorityof cases. Additives, for example granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, gypsum and silicadust, among others are used specially for the improvement of clay soils with high watercontent or organic soils [15], [16].

4

Current state of practice of the deep mixing method 5

There are some main reasons why this ground improvement method has expanded a greatdeal around the world. First of all, ground improvement by deep mixing allows, simul-taneously, an increase in stability and a reduction of settlements. Further, deep mixinghas a minor environmental impact and a great speed of execution. At last, because ofthe development of machinery, it is possible to execute the deep mixing method for largerdepths (greater than 40m), in non-homogeneous soil formations, including soft soils, sand,gravel, overconsolidated clays and even weathered soft rocks [15].

2.1.1.1 Installation and production of deep mixing columns

The deep mixing method mixes in-situ soil with cementitious materials to form columnsor panels of improved ground. There are many different methods of deep mixing withvariations in equipment, procedure and used materials. This section will discuss the dryand wet installation methods in general. The purpose is to provide a general overview ofthe typical construction methods and equipment used to install deep mixing columns [13].

Dry deep mixing method A large number of dry deep mixing methods are developedall over the world, especially in Japan and the Nordic countries. Examples of the maintools used nowadays will be given in this section. The standard dry mixing tool in Japanis shown in Figure 2.1.1. The blades of the tool rotate into the soil and form a cavity. Thebinder is spread over columns cross section in this cavity. When the rotation speed of thetool increases, the volume of the cavity increases and a vacuum is created, which facilitatesthe process when manufacturing large diameter columns [17].

Figure 2.1.1: Standard mixing tool by the Japanese dry mixing method [17]


In Scandinavia, the tool shown in Figure 2.1.2 is typically used. The mixing tool is rotateddown to a particular depth (dependent on the design length of the column), and once thedesired depth is reached the rotation of the mixing tool is reversed. The tool is withdrawnat a constant speed. During withdrawn, the binder is transported into the soil usingcompressed air pushing through a hole located just above the mixing tool [13], as shownin Figure 2.1.2. The binder quantity injected into the soil is controlled by changing therotation speed of the feeding wheel [14]. The improved soil mixture is compacted by theinclined blades of the mixing tool. Using the dry mixing method, there is almost no wasteof material since the dry mixing method brings almost no spoils to the ground surface [13].

(a) Procedure to produce deep mixing columns [14].

(b) Tool used to produce deep mixing columns.

Figure 2.1.2: Tools used in Scandinavia to produce deep mixing columns [14]


Wet deep mixing method The wet deep mixing method has been extensively usedin Japan, particularly in marine projects [17]. Nowadays, it also has subsequently beenused for land applications. There are different techniques to produce columns by injectingwater-based binders into the soil. The most common approach is to inject part of thebinder as the mixing tool is penetrating the soil. While the mixing tool penetrates into thesoil, it disaggregates the soil and at the same time lifts the soil slightly in order to facilitateincorporation. The remainder of the binder is injected as the mixing tool is withdrawn fromthe soil [17]. The intensity by which the slurry is injected depends on the soil condition.An example is shown in Figure 2.1.3.

(a) Procedure to produce deep mixing columns [14].

(b) Tool used to produce deep mixing columns.

Figure 2.1.3: Tools used to produce columns by wet mixing method [14]

Properties of mixing materials 8

2.1.2 Properties of mixing materials

Since the 1990s a lot of research was done to investigate the properties of soil and ce-ment/lime mixture, especially focusing on the strength and stiffness of the stabilized soil.The four main factors affecting mixture properties of cement and lime stabilized soil are[2]:

• Characteristics of the binders

• Characteristics and conditions of the original soil

• Mixing conditions

• Curing conditions

The Federal Highway Administration Design Manual [18] gives values for the unconfinedcompressive strength of laboratory-mixed materials in the range of 0,01MPa to 2,8MPawhen the dry mixing method is used and 0,1 to 28MPa when the wet mixing method isused. The strength depends on the characteristics of the soil, the binder type and theamount of mixing binder. Compared to field-mixed material the strength of the laboratorymixed material can be greater at the same mixture proportions. The strength of field-mixedmaterial can range from 20% to 100% of the laboratory mixed material. The strength ofthe mixed material increases with an increased content of binder [2]. In Figure 2.1.4 theresults of different studies concerning the unconfined compressive strength of soil cementmixing [19] are showed. The tensile and bending strength of the improved material is quitesmall compared to the shear strength [20], [2] (see Figure 2.1.5).

(a) Quicklime stabilized soil (b) Cement stabilized soil

Figure 2.1.4: Summary of unconfined compressive strength [19], [2]

Applications 9

Figure 2.1.5: Tensile and bending strength of stabilized soils [20], [2]

2.1.3 Applications

The deep mixing method is currently used for both on-land and marine constructions fordifferent purposes. On land, the deep mixing columns are used for embankment stability,reduction of settlement of embankments, bridge abutment, cut slope stability, excavationsupport, nearby structure impact reduction as well as liquefaction mitigation. Applicationsof deep mixing columns for marine constructions are revetment, seawalls, foundations,breakwater slope stability as well as tunnels and road construction [13].In Sweden, the most frequent use of deep mixing columns for soil stabilization is for infras-tructure, for example railway and roadway embankments, and for excavations [21]. Thepurpose of these deep mixing columns is to increase the stability and reduce the settlement.For example, in Sweden 83% of deep mixing columns produced are for supporting highwayor roadway embankments [21].Deep mixing columns can also be used for the approach embankments to bridges. In someprojects the foundation of the bridge itself is supported by deep mixing columns. Withdeep mixing columns, supporting both the bridge and the approach embankments, it ispossible to reduce differential settlements. An additional advantage of using deep mixingcolumns to support the foundation of bridges is that the deep mixing stabilization can alsobe used to improve the stability of the excavation for the bridge foundation [21].Deep mixing columns are also used to improve properties of soft soil in such a way thatvibrations are reduced. For example, deep mixing columns installed in panels along railwaytracks can reduce the vibrations.Examples of deep mixing columns used for marine applications can be found in construc-tions of a waterfront as well as seepage cut-off. Furthermore, the deep mixing methodwas also used as a countermeasure against liquefaction [2], [22]. Recently, the deep mixingmethod is also applicable to environmental issues such as dredging soil and landfill struc-tures [2].

Failure of deep mixing stabilized ground 10

Different improvement patterns of deep mixing columns can be used according to theirpurpose. Different improvement patterns are shown in Figure 2.1.6. Typically, a groupof isolated columns is used when the horizontal loads are small. Wall, grid and blocktype patterns, made by overlapping deep mixing columns, are mostly applied for a greaterexternal load as well as high stability requirements [2].

Figure 2.1.6: Improvement patterns of deep mixing columns [2]

2.2 Failure of deep mixing stabilized ground

2.2.1 Current Swedish design method for stabilized ground

The current Swedish design method for stabilized ground, described in TK Geo 13 [9]assumes that the improved soil volume behaves as a composite soil volume. The Swedishdesign method for stabilized ground assumes that there is a full interaction between thelime-cement columns and the surrounding soil. This means that the peak shear strengthof the columns is mobilized at the same time as the the peak shear strength of the unsta-bilized soil between the lime-cement columns [5]. This is shown in Figure 2.2.1. When nointeraction would be assumed, the columns would carry all the applied load. The Swedishdesign method for stabilized ground will be discussed more in detail in Chapter 4.

Current Swedish design method for stabilized ground 11

Figure 2.2.1: The peak shear strength of the columns is mobilized at the same time as thethe peak shear strength of the unstabilized soil between the lime-cement columns[5], [29]

The strength and the stiffness of the composite soil are calculated using the weightedaverage of the stiffness and strength of the lime-cement columns and the surrounding soil.The undrained shear strength can be calculated using equation 2.2.1.

su = a · su,col + (1 − a) · su,soil (2.2.1)

Where

• su,col is the undrained shear strength of the lime-cement columns

• su,soil is the undrained shear strength of the soil

• a is a weighting factor

The drained shear strength of the composite soil volume is calculated according to equation2.2.2

τaverage = a · τcol + (1 − a) · τclay (2.2.2)

Where

• τu,col is the drained shear strength of the lime-cement columns

• τu,soil is the drained shear strength of the soil

• a is a weighting factor

Two failure patterns are assumed: sliding failure in external stability and rupture breakingfailure in internal stability [1]. The external stability is the global failure of the improvedground area without any failure in the columns. The internal failure of the deep mixingcolumns is the failure taking place in the columns due to their low strength [2]. In internalstability, the columns will fail by shearing all at the same time. The stability of the

Current Swedish design method for stabilized ground 12

embankment is analysed using a slip circle analysis with an average strength and stiffnessused for the composite soil volume. To calculate the safety factors for shear failure, aslip surface analysis can be performed with limit equilibrium method using the programSLOPE. In external stability, the columns and clay will fail by sliding. The compositesoil moves horizontally as a block on a stiff layer. Extrusion of the soft clay ground couldoccur if the shear walls are widely spaced. Therefore, extrusion of the soft ground betweenshear walls should also be checked. Rupture breaking failure in internal stability is shownin Figure 2.2.2 and sliding failure in external stability is shown in 2.2.3.

Figure 2.2.2: Internal stability- Rupture breaking failure [5]

Figure 2.2.3: External stability- Sliding failure

All failure mechanisms 13

2.2.2 All failure mechanisms

Several failure mechanisms that can take place inside the columns supporting an embank-ment were described by Broms [8]. This is shown in Figure 2.2.4. Ten possible failuremechanisms inside a single lime/cement column can happen, dependent on the loadingcondition. When there is a slip surface located near the ground surface, failure can happenclose to the top of the column (failure mode a). When the bending moment applied in thecolumn is greater than the column resistance against bending, bending failure can occur.Failure points, also called plastic hinges, can be generated at different locations along thelength of the column dependent on the moment distribution (failure mode b,c,d,e and f).Failure mode f will happen when there is a slip surface located neat the bottom surface ofthe soft ground layer. Sliding Failure mode g happens when the columns move togetherwith the surrounding soil. Shearing failure mode h happens when he shear resistance ofthe columns governs. Failure mode i represents compression failure and failure mode jrepresents tension failure.

Figure 2.2.4: Failure modes of single lime/cement columns [8], [2]

The failure pattern is dependent on the ground condition, the characteristics of the columnand the loading condition. The Swedish design method for stabilized ground assumes thatthe shear failure pattern will occur (failure mode h).

The main failure patterns in external stability are a sliding pattern and a tilting pattern.Mostly, a tilting failure pattern (Figure 2.2.3) will take place as discussed in paragraph2.3. In the tilting failure mode, also called collapse failure mode, the columns and the clayare assumed to deform as simple shear due to the imbalance between active and passiveearthe pressures acting on the side boundaries of the improved area [23]. When the shearstrength of the clay ground decreases with depth, a sliding failure pattern can take place.

Research on embankment supported by deep mixing columns 14

A sliding failure pattern can also occur using floating type improved ground. This cases aremore seldom. Although, the Swedish design method for stabilized ground assumes that asliding failure pattern will occur. The current Swedish design method for stabilized groundprovides reasonable failure mechanisms as long as the column strength is a relatively lowvalue where the improved ground is expected to fail by a shear pattern [23], as discussedin paragraph 2.3. However, when the column strength is a relatively high value, where theimproved ground is expected to fail by tilting pattern, the current Swedish design methodfor stabilized ground will overestimate the stability of the embankment [23].

2.3 Research on embankment supported by deep mix-

ing columns

Dry deep mixing columns has been used since the 1970s to support railway or highwayembankments, specifically to increase their stability and to reduce their settlement [4].During 1990s, several research studies focusing on this topic have been performed.Kivelö [29] formulated an analytical model for calculating the stability of embankmentssupported by deep mixing columns. The shear resistance of the columns depends on thelocation along the slip surface, the loading condition and the soil characteristics [28]. Thedifferent failure modes that can occur are based on studies of Broms [8]. The majority ofthe studies about deep mixing columns supporting an embankment are numerical tests orsmall scale model laboratory tests. The results of the most important studies performedabout this topic are summarized as followed.

2.3.1 Numerical analysis

Kitazume et al. [1] performed a series of slip circle analyses and FEM analyses to establishthe failure envelope of each failure pattern [1]. The deformation of the improved ground,as well as the the deep mixing columns were investigated through a FEM analysis.

External stability A two-dimensional undrained elasto-plastic finite element analyseswas performed by Kitazume et al. The deep mixing columns were modelled by elastic walls,the clay ground and embankment material were modeled as Mohr-Coulomb elasto-plasticmaterial [1]. The finite element model is shown in Figure 2.3.1. More detailed descriptionabout the model setup can be found in the study of Kitazume et al. [1].

Ground deformation at ground failure for unimproved ground as well as for improvedground are shown in Figure 2.3.2 and 2.3.3. In the unimproved ground, a large deforma-tion can be noticed at the shallow layer while there are no deformations at deeper layers.A slip circle ground deformation takes place. Contrary to the unimproved ground, in theimproved ground it can be seen that all the columns tilt at the toe with negligible defor-mation at the bottom.

Numerical analysis 15

Figure 2.3.1: Finite element model [1]

Figure 2.3.2: Ground deformation of unimproved ground- FEM [1]

Figure 2.3.3: Ground deformation of improved ground- FEM [1]

In order to create a sliding failure pattern instead of a collapse failure pattern, soil prop-erties were adapted. When the shear strength of the clay ground decreases with depthinstead of being constant throughout the depth of the clay layer, a sliding failure patterncan be observed (Figure 2.3.4). A ground condition in which the shear strength decreaseswith depth is seldom found in practice [1].

A sliding failure pattern can also be obtained by using floating type improved ground. Thedeep mixing columns do not reach the stiff layer but penetrate partially in the clay ground[1]. Under this condition, a sliding failure pattern can take place instead of a collapsefailure pattern when the column height is relatively small (Figure 2.3.5).

In a parametric study, performed by Kitazume M. [23], was found that the failure modeof the improved ground is dependent on the column strength. A sliding failure mode is


Figure 2.3.4: Sliding failure pattern-shear strength decreases with depth [1]

Figure 2.3.5: Sliding failure pattern when a floating type improved ground is used [1]

developed when the column strength is relatively low and a collapse failure mode is devel-oped when the column strength is relatively high [23].

Nguyen Binh T. T. [2] performed a numerical analysis to obtain understandings on theeffect of using a shallow layer to reinforce a group of isolated columns that support anembankment. The shallow mixing layer is used to reinforce the isolated columns, to increasethe resistance and the stability of the column group. A model setup is shown in Figure2.3.6.

External stability For the isolated columns, without the shallow layer reinforcement,sliding is not observed as the main failure mechanism but a tilting failure is. When ashallow layer is used to reinforce the isolated high-strength columns, a sliding pattern inexternal failure is observed instead of tilting failure pattern. Reinforcement of the columnsby using a shallow layer changes the failure pattern from a tilting pattern to a slidingpattern.

Internal stability The failure pattern of isolated columns supporting an embankmentwithout shallow layer are studied first. The high strength columns experienced a tilting de-formation while the low-strength columns (lower compressive strength qu, so lower Youngmodulus and lower shear strength) experienced a bending deformation. Failure positionsare focused at the bottom and the middle depth of each column [2]. This is shown inFigure 2.3.7.


The failure pattern of isolated columns supporting an embankment with shallow layer(with same compressive strength as the columns) are studied afterwards. In this case, thecolumns experience a bending failure with failure points at the connection between theshallow layer and the columns. Except for this failure point at the connection there wereno more failure points observed along the column depth. A tilting deformation took place[2]. This is shown in Figure 2.3.8.

Figure 2.3.6: Model setup using a shallow layer to reinforce a group of isolated columns[2]

Figure 2.3.7: Horizontal displacement varying with column strength of the first column(a) and the last column (b) [2]

Failure mechanisms of isolated columns supporting an embankment are analysed throughnumerical analyses by Navin [24], Navin et al. [7], Han et al. [25], [26], Huang et al. [27]among others. The results of different studies agreed upon the fact that limit equilibriummethods are not safe. In the majority of the cases where limit equilibrium methods areused to analyse the stability, the limit equilibrium method will overestimate the factor ofsafety of the structure compared to numerical analyses [28].


Figure 2.3.8: Deformation of low-strength columns (a) and high-strength columns (b)with shallow layer [2]

2.3.1.1 Continuous shear panels

Continuous shear panels oriented perpendicular to the centreline of the embankment aremore efficient for the stability than isolated columns [19]. Shear panels are constructedby overlapping individual deep mixing columns. These shear panels contain vertical jointsthat might be weaker than the deep mixing columns. The weakness of the vertical jointsat the overlap of the columns is caused by the reduced width of the shear wall at theoverlap between adjacent columns. The weakness of the vertical joints can also be causedby misalignment during construction, which reduces the efficiency of the overlap [3]. Shearpanels are not subjected to the same type of bending failure as isolated columns. Whenshear panels are used, stability analysis must still consider different failure mechanisms e.goverturning, extrusion and not only sliding failure in internal stability and rupture break-ing failure in external stability like the Swedish design method for stabilized ground.

Adams investigated a number of cases studies, in which shear walls were used to supportlevees, through numerical analyses. Adams showed that the factor of safety for a slip fail-ure pattern is higher when shear panels with overlapping columns are used compared tothe case in which isolated columns at the same area replacement ratio are used [28], [3],[30], [31].Filz et al. [7] compared the safety factor obtained by limit equilibrium analysis and nu-merical stress-strain analysis. The limit equilibrium analysis only permits a shear failurewhile the numerical stress-strain analysis also allows bending failure of the columns. Whenisolated columns are used, Filz et al [7] showed that the factor of safety value is higher fromlimit equilibrium analyses than from numerical analysis [19]. This is shown in Figure 2.3.9.

The factor of safety values were calculated again when continuous panels of overlappingcolumns instead of isolated columns are used. The area replacement ratio when usingcontinuous panels is the same as in the case in which isolated columns are used. Thecontinuous panels of overlapping columns consist of weaker joints located at the overlappositions of the columns. The joints were assumed to have half the strength of the intactportions of the wall [19]. Limit equilibrium analysis gives the same safety factor as in thecase in which isolated columns are used. This results from the fact that limit equilibriumanalysis only considers composite shearing and the area replacement factor in both cases


is the same so the limit equilibrium method does not distinguish between the geometriesof boths cases. [19]. Numerical analysis takes the difference between both cases in consid-eration since it also allows bending failure. The factor of safety calculated by numericalanalysis is higher when continuous panels are used [19]. This is shown in Figure 2.3.10.It is verified that shear walls are more effective than isolated columns at the same areareplacement ratio.

Filz et al. [19] performed a study on the use of deep mixing shear panels to support leveesand floodwalls. Based on a number of case studies, Filz et al. presents simplified methodsto analyse and design for external and internal stability of deep mixed shear walls to sta-bilize levees and floodwalls [19].

Figure 2.3.9: Safety factor calculated with limit equilibrium method and numericalanalysis. Isolated deep mixing columns are used [19]

Laboratory tests 20

Figure 2.3.10: Safety factor calculated with limit equilibrium method and numericalanalysis. Continuous deep mixing panels are used [19]

2.3.2 Laboratory tests

Along with numerical analyses, physical modelling and field tests were also preferred forstudying the behaviour of an embankment supported by deep mixing columns [2].

The shear resistance and failure mechanisms of lime-cement columns in soft clay were in-vestigated by Larsson et al. [32], [33]. by performing laboratory shear box model tests.The shear box test is shown schematically in Figure 2.3.11. The main failure mechanismsof the lime-cement columns when subjected to lateral loading is bending failure. The shearbox model tests verified that using a shear wall pattern with overlapping columns is moreeffective than using isolated columns in the clay [32],[28]. The shear wall pattern withoverlapping columns increased the shear resistance [33].

A centrifuge model test consists of making a scale model and load it onto the end of acentrifuge. The centrifuge will produce equal confining stresses in model and prototype.Therefore, the reasonable assumption that strains and deformations are also equal in modeland prototype can be made.

Kitazume et al. [1] performed a series of centrifuge model tests, slip circle analyses andFEM analyses to establish the failure envelope of each failure pattern [1]. The deformationof the improved ground, as well as the the deep mixing columns were investigated througha series of centrifuge model tests and numerical calculations. The conclusions of the testsperformed by Kitazume [1] will be summarized here.

A series of centrifuge model tests were performed. An example of the model ground setup

Laboratory tests 21

Figure 2.3.11: Shear box model test [33]

is shown in Figure 2.3.12. More detailed description about the model setup can be foundin the study of Kitazume et al. [1].

External stability In the unimproved ground model, a slip circle deformation can beseen (Figure 2.3.13). Contrary to the unimproved ground, the improved ground modeldoes not show a slip circle failure (Figure 2.3.14).

Figure 2.3.12: Example of mdel ground setup[1]

Laboratory tests 22

Figure 2.3.13: Deformation of unimproved ground[1]

Figure 2.3.14: Deformation of improved ground[1]

In the improved ground model it can be seen that the columns tilt like dominos. Theimproved area deforms uniformly as a shear failure since the inclination angle is the samethroughout the columns. The use of deep mixing columns changes the ground failurepattern from a slip circle failure to a collapse failure [1].The results of the FEM analysis (described in paragraph 2.3.1) correspond well to theresults observed in the centrifuge model tests.

Internal stability Similar centrifuge model tests were performed by Kitazume et al.[34] as described in Figure 2.3.12. More detailed description about the model setup canbe found in the study of Kitazume et al. [34]. The development of the bending momentdistribution in the deep mixing columns were measured in detail to investigate the failuremechanisms.

It can be concluded from the performed tests that the deep mixing columns fail one by oneby bending failure mode. The deep mixing columns do not fail simultaneously as assumedby the Swedish design method for stabilized ground. Bending points can be noticed inFigure 2.3.15. When the improvement width is small, the forefront column will fail first.Afterwards, the other columns will fail in sequence from the forefront column towards therearmost column. When the improvement width becomes larger, the forefront column willfail in bending first. Afterwards, the second and third columns will fail. Subsequently, the

Laboratory tests 23

rearmost column fails due to large ground settlement. It is of interest to note that the lo-cation of the bending failure is shallower in the low strength column than the high strengthcolumn, and shallower in the rear side columns (furthest away from the embankment toe)than the front side columns (closest to the embankment toe) [34].

Figure 2.3.15: Bending failure mode of the columns [34]

Nguyen Binh T. T. [2] performed a centrifuge model tests to investigate the effect of ashallow layer on the failure mechanisms of the deep mixing columns. A detailed descriptionof the model set up can be found in the study of Nguyen Binh T.T. [2].

External stability An agreement with the study of Kitazume et al. was confirmed,namely that the collapse failure mechanism occurs when isolated columns are used toreinforce an embankment (without shallow layer). When a shallow layer is applied, asliding failure pattern was found instead of a tilting failure pattern [2].

Internal stability An agreement with the numerical analysis performed by NguyenBinh T.T. [2] was obtained regarding the internal failure of the deep mixing columns. Thebending pattern was found to be the main internal failure pattern. The bending pointsare located in the middle of the isolated columns in absence of a shallow layer. When ashallow layer is used to reinforce the isolated columns, the bending points are located atthe connection between the shallow layer and the columns [2].

Research on excavation supported with rows of dry deep mixing columns 24

2.4 Research on excavation supported with rows of

dry deep mixing columns

As mentioned in paragraph 2.1.3, the main applications of deep mixing columns in Swedenare the support of railway and roadway embankments as well as the excavation support.Since, this study will deal with deep mixing columns supporting embankments, two im-portant research studies on excavation supported with rows of dry deep mixing columnsare described briefly.

Yang et al. [35] investigated by numerical analyses the behaviour of an embedded im-proved soil raft. An embedded improved soil raft (a raft of overlapping short columns) isconstructed by using soil cement columns that form a continuously improved compositeground [28]. During excavation, the columns are loaded laterally by the inward-moving re-taining wall. Thus,the mobilised mass properties in lateral direction are important for thedesign [35]. Yang et al. examined the mechanisms of how mass properties of the improvedare mobilized and their relation to the elemental properties, the variation of propertieswithin a column and the geometrical arrangement of the columns [35]. The analysis andthe simulation of a case study showed that soil-cement columns used for supporting exca-vations should be constructed with overlap rather than just in contact with each other [28].

Ignat et al. [4] made a comparison of a two-and three-dimensional analysis of an excava-tion supported with rows of dry deep mixing columns. The 3D model of the excavationsupported with rows of dry deep mixing columns is shown in Figure 2.4.1. The excavationwas also modelled using a 2D plane strain model where the improved soil was modelled asa composite material. Weak vertical joints represent the overlap zone between the adjacentcolumns because the strength of the overlapping zone is often lower than the strength ofthe columns. The results show that both the area improvement ratio of the improved soiland the quality of the overlap zone (whether there is a strength reduction of 0%, 50% or75% compared to the strength properties of the columns) have a significant influence onhow well a 2D model (with vertical weak joints that incorporate the overlap zone betweencolumns) performs compared to a 3D model [4]. Based on the results of the numericalanalyses it is recommended that a 2D model should include weak vertical joints that rep-resent the overlap zones between columns. It is recommended that for laterally loadedoverlapping column rows with area replacement ratio of 15-50% and poor overlap qualitya 3D model should be used to predict deformations and failure instead of a 2D model [4].

Summary 25

Figure 2.4.1: 3D-model of an excavation supported with rows of dry deep mixing columns[4]

2.5 Summary

This chapter provided an overview of the deep mixing method, specifically about the cur-rent state of practice of the deep mixing method and its applications. The main applicationof the deep mixing method in Sweden is to support railway or roadway embankments us-ing isolated deep mixing columns or continuous shear panels. Recently, the deep mixingcolumns are also used in rows to support excavations. In the Scandinavian countries, thedry deep mixing method is mostly used to install the columns. The wet deep mixingmethod has been extensively used in Japan, particularly in marine projects [17]. Nowa-days, it also has subsequently been used for land applications.

The current Swedish design method for stabilized ground assumes that the improved soilvolume behaves as a composite soil volume.Two failure patterns are assumed: slidingfailure in external stability and rupture breaking failure in internal stability [1]. In internalstability, the current Swedish design method for stabilized ground assumes that the columnswill fail by shearing all at the same time. In external stability, the columns and claywill fail by sliding according to the Swedish design method for stabilized ground. Thecomposite soil moves horizontally as a block on a stiff layer. A number of studies showedthat sliding failure as internal failure mechanism and rupture breaking failure as externalfailure mechanism are not the only failure mechanisms that can occur. The majority ofthe studies about deep mixing columns supporting an embankment are numerical tests orsmall scale model laboratory tests. The results of the most important studies performedabout this topic were summarised in this chapter. In most studies, a tilting failure patterncould be observed as the main external failure mechanism and a bending failure as themain internal failure mechanism of the improved ground. A sliding failure pattern canoccur when the deep mixing columns have low strength properties or when floating typeimproved ground is used. Reinforcement of the columns by using a shallow layer changes

Summary 26

the failure pattern from a tilting pattern to a sliding pattern. There was showed thatcontinuous shear panels oriented perpendicular to the centreline of the embankment aremore efficient for the stability than isolated columns.

The analytical method according to the Swedish design method for stabilized soil representsthe overlapping columns and clay in between the deep mixing rows as a composite soilvolume with an average strength and stiffness. The Swedish design method does nottake into account any weaker vertical joints caused by the reduced width of the wallat the overlap between adjacent columns. These vertical joints can be made weaker bymisalignment during construction, which reduces the efficiency of the overlap [3]. Ignat etal. [4] verified the importance of the quality of overlap in a model on the failure mechanismthat will develop. Therefore, a comparison will be made in this study between an analyticalmodel that does not take weaker vertical joints into account and an analytical model inwhich the overlap is represented by a decreased strength and stiffness. A comparison willalso be made with a numerical model that consists of a composite soil volume containingvertical weaker joints.

Chapter 3

General methodology

In this study, following steps will be performed.

• Analytical model: Extrusion of soft ground between shear walls.An analytical method to obtain safety factors for extrusion of clay between the shearpanels is made. The safety factors are calculated.

• Analytical model: Internal stability- No reduction of strength and stiffness in theoverlap zones.An analytical solution is obtained by following the Swedish design code for stabilizedground. This does not take any reduction of strength and stiffness into account atthe overlap between adjacent columns. Safety factors for shear failure are calculatedwith limit equilibrium method using program SLOPE.

• Analytical model: Internal stability- Reduction of strength and stiffness of 75% and50% in the overlap zones.An analytical method to obtain safety factors for shear failure is made, taking intoaccount the reduced strength and stiffness at the overlap between adjacent columns.Safety factors for shear failure are calculated with limit equilibrium method usingprogram SLOPE.

• Numerical model.A numerical 2D plane strain model is made to calculate the safety factors for internalstability and to see which failure mechanism will develop.

• Sensitivity analysis.The influence of the strength and stiffness in the overlap zones on the failure mech-anisms obtained are discussed.

This study is not based on any specific site condition, so a typical ground condition is chosenfrom literature with the care of choosing suitable parameters for the size and dimension ofthe model ground, deep mixing columns, embankment etc. as well as the soil properties.

27

Geometrical model 28

The properties used for both the analytical model and the numerical model are representedin this chapter.

3.1 Geometrical model

An embankment is constructed on soft clay layer which deposited on a stiff moraine layerat the bottom. The embankment has a maximum height of 10m. The embankment has aslope of 2/1, corresponding to approximately 26,57◦. The embankment is built in severalstages until failure occurs. The construction of the embankment is divided into 20 steps,in which each step represents 0,5m of the height of the embankment. Phase 2 representsan embankment with a height of 0,5 m. Phase 3 represents an embankment with a heightof 1m, and so on. Phase 21 represents an embankment with a height of 10m. In eachphase, the height of the embankment increases with 0,5m. The embankment has a perfectsymmetric structure. Therefore, only half of the embankment and the underlying ground ismodelled. Since this embankment represents a highway or railway embankment, it is verywide: half of the embankment has a width of 20m at the top and 40m at the ground surface.

The soil consists of a normally consolidated very soft clay layer of 10 m overlaying a stifffrictional soil at the bottom. The stiff frictional soil is modelled with a thickness of 4m.The ground water table is set 1m below the ground surface. In order to avoid boundaryeffects, the length of the model is chosen to be 60 m. The geometry of the embankmentand underlaying soil layers is shown in Figure 3.1.1.The length of the deep mixing columns is 9,5m. During the installation of the columns,it is very unlikely that the installation tool will be able to penetrate the moraine layerdeeply. Since the binder is transported into the soil through a hole located above themixing tool (as explained in paragraph 2.1.1.1 and shown in Figure 2.1.2), the deep mixingcolumns created by this tool will probably not penetrate the moraine layer but will endapproximately 30-50 cm above the moraine layer. Therefore are the columns shown inFigure 3.1.1 not reaching the moraine layer but end 0,5m above the moraine layer. Thecolumns are installed in rows with a distance of 3m (srow) between the different rows. Thediameter of the deep mixing columns is equal to 0,6m. The centre-to-centre distance ofthe columns is equal to 0,5m (scol) so there is an overlap of 0,1m. The arrangment of thedeep mixing columns in rows is shown in Figure 3.1.2

Material properties 29

Figure 3.1.1: Geometry of the modelled embankment and underlaying soil layers.

Figure 3.1.2: Geometrical arrangement of overlapping deep mixing columns in rows-topview [4].

3.2 Material properties

The material properties used in the model are summarised in Table 3.2.1. They wereselected from the review of a previous report, namely Ignat et al. [4]. The soft clay layerhas a shear strength of 10+1,5z kPa while its Young’s modulus is about 250 times theundrained shear strength. The moraine layer, underneath the clay layer is simulated as astiff and strong layer with a friction angle of 42◦and a Young’s modulus of 20MPa. Theembankment has a friction angle of 35◦and a stiffness of 20MPa as can be seen in Table


3.2.2. In real soils, the stiffness depends significantly on the stress level, which means thatthe stiffness generally increases with depth. The start of the increase in this case is atground surface, where z equals 0m.

Table 3.2.1: Material properties used for the analytical model and the numerical model.

Material parameter Soft Clay Moraine DM columns

Unit weight ρ [kN/m3] 16,5 20 16,5Undrained shear 10+1,5z 0 100strength Su [kPa]Young’s modulus E [kPa] 250su,clay 20 000 200su,colPoisson’s ratio ν 0,33 0,25 0,33

Compressive - - 200strength σc [kPa]Tensile strength σt [kPa] - - 10Earth pressure at rest K0 0,6 0,331 1

Friction angle φ [◦] 0 42 0Angle of dilatancy ψ [◦] 0 12 0

For the deep mixing columns, the Young’s modulus and undrained shear strength can bededuced from the compressive strength following equation 3.2.1 and 3.2.2.

E = 100σc (3.2.1)

su =σc2

(3.2.2)

The tensile strength can be found by using equation 3.2.3.

σt = 0, 10 · su = 0, 05 · σc (3.2.3)

The earth pressure at rest can be calculated following equation 3.2.4.

K0 = sin(φ′) (3.2.4)

For the soft clay, a value of 0,6 is used for the earth pressure at rest since the clay is a verysoft, normally consolidated clay.Poisson’s ration can be calculated following equation 3.2.5

ν =K0

1 +K0(3.2.5)

The properties of the embankment material are summarised in Table 3.2.2. The shearstrength of the embankment is set to a minor value of 1kPa to avoid local tensile failureat the embankment slope during the Finite Element analyses [2].


Table 3.2.2: Material properties of the embankment material.

Material parameter Embankment material

Unsaturated Unit weight ρunsat [kN/m3] 20

Saturated Unit weight ρsat [kN/m3] 22

Undrained shear strength Su [kPa] 1Young’s modulus E [kPa] 20 000Poisson’s ratio ν 0,25

Earth pressure at rest K0 0,426

Friction angle φ [◦] 35Angle of dilatancy ψ [◦] 5

The above explained condition is used as the standard condition for the analytical model,as well as the numerical model.

Chapter 4

Analytical calculations

In this chapter, first the safety factors for extrusion of soft ground between shear panels arecalculated in sequencing construction stages. The safety factors are calculated for differentdistances between the rows of deep mixing columns. In this way, you can determine theminimum distance srow that has to be present. The method to obtain this analyticalsolution will be described here, as well as the obtained results.

Afterwards, a safety analysis of an embankment supported by panels of overlapping deepmixing columns according to the Swedish design method for stabilized ground [9], [10]will be performed. According to the Swedish design method for stabilized ground withdeep mixing columns, the overlapping columns and the clay in between the deep mixingrows is represented as a composite soil volume with average strength and stiffness. Shearwalls constructed by overlapping individual deep mixing columns contain vertical jointscaused by the reduced width of the wall at the overlap between adjacent columns. Thesevertical joints can be made weaker by misalignment during construction, which reduces theefficiency of the overlap [3]. The analytical model according to the Swedish design codefor stabilized ground does not take these extra weakness in the vertical joints into account.Therefore, an analytical method that does take the reduced strength and stiffness in theoverlap between adjacent columns into account is made. The average shear strength of thecomposite soil volume will have a lower shear strength because of an assumed reduction of50% or 75% of strength and stiffness in the overlap between adjacent columns.

4.1 Extrusion of soft ground between shear walls

Extrusion of the soft clay ground could occur if the shear walls are widely spaced. Thesafety factors for extrusion of soft ground between shear panels are calculated in sequenc-ing construction stages in this paragraph. The safety factors are calculated for differentdistances between the rows of deep mixing columns. In this way, you can determine theminimum distance srow that has to be present.

32

Extrusion of soft ground between shear walls 33

When extrusion of soft ground between shear walls happens, the clay between the rowsof deep mixing columns will fail in shear. A cross section is made according to Figure4.1.1 (green line) and the most critical slip surface is determined with the limit equilibriummethod, using the program SLOPE.

Figure 4.1.1: The shear failure of the cross section at the green line is determined usinglimit equilibrium method [4].

To calculate the factor of safety with the limit equilibrium method, using the programSLOPE, a combined analysis was performed. In the combined analysis the lowest strengthof either the undrained or the drained case is used. The parameters of the clay can befound in Table 3.2.1 in paragraph 3.2. The drained parameters of the clay are given inequation 4.1.1.

c′ = 0, 1 · su,clay φ′ = 30◦ (4.1.1)

The factor of safety for extrusion can be calculated using equation 4.1.2.

Fp =srow · ΣMomentsresisting + 2 · A · su,clay · c

srow · ΣMomentsactivating(4.1.2)

Where

• srow is the distance between the deep mixing shear walls

• ΣMomentsresisting is the sum of the resisting moments, obtained from SLOPE

• ΣMomentsactivating is the sum of the activating moments, obtained from SLOPE

• A is the area of the sliding mass of clay, shown in Figure 4.1.2b in light blue colour

• c is the distance from the centre point of the slip circle down to the centre of gravityof the area, shown in Figure 4.1.2b


• su,clay is the undrained shear strength of the clay

To calculate the area of the sliding mass of clay and the distance c, equation 4.1.3-equation4.1.5 and figure 4.1.2 are used.

α = 2 · arccos(1 − pr

) (4.1.3)

Where p is the distance from the ground surface to the bottom of the slip circle, shown infigure 4.1.2 and r is the radius of the slip circle, obtained from SLOPE.

A = 0, 5 · r2 · (α− sin(α)) (4.1.4)

c =4 · r · sin3(α/2)3 · (α− sin(α))

(4.1.5)


(a) Parameters used to calculate A and c.

(b) Critical slip surface for the shear failure of clay ground for an embankment height of 7m.

Figure 4.1.2: Parameters used to calculate the factor of safety for extrusion of clay.


The factor of safety is reduced to account for 3D effects according to equation 4.1.6, [11].

F3D = F2D + 0, 75 · (FpF2D

− 1) (4.1.6)

Where

• Fp the safety factor calculated using equation 4.1.2

• F2D the two-dimensional safety factor, equal to ΣMomentsresistingΣMomentsActivating

For the undrained shear strength is the minimum value of 10kPa used in the calculationof the safety factor in equation 4.1.2. Therefore, the safety factor will be slightly under-estimated since the undrained shear strength of the clay normally increases with depth.The shear strengths on the vertical sides of the slip surface in the embankment are notconsidered. This is a conservative assumption.The parameters used to calculated F3D when the embankment has a height of 3m aresummarised in table 4.1.1.

Table 4.1.1: Factors to calculate F3D.

Parameters values

r [m] 13,4p [m] 4,94α [radians] 1,775A[m2] 71,45ΣMomentsresisting [kNm] 6492,3ΣMomentsactivating [kNm] 9377c [m] 10,47srow [m] 3

Fp 1,224F2D 0,692

F3D 1,27

The safety factors for extrusion for sequencing construction stages are calculated for adistance between the shear panels of 1,5m; 3m and 4,5m, shown in Table 4.1.2.

Internal stability 37

Table 4.1.2: Safety factors for extrusion of clay between shear walls for different distancesbetween shear panels.

Height of Safety factor Safety factor Safety factorthe embankment (m) srow=1,5m srow=3m srow=4,5m

Phase 15 7 1,85 1,27 1,08Phase 14 6,5 1,77 1,25 1,07Phase 13 6 1,84 1,3 1,12Phase 12 5,5 1,77 1,28 1,12Phase 11 5 1,85 1,35 1,19Phase 10 4,5 1,76 1,34 1,20Phase 9 4 1,70 1,35 1,23Phase 8 3,5 1,83 1,45 1,32Phase 7 3 1,80 1,49 1,39Phase 6 2,5 2,0 1,67 1,57Phase 5 2 2,03 1,80 1,72Phase 4 1,5 2,20 2,06 2,01Phase 3 1 2,86 2,69 2,63Phase 2 0,5 5,04 4,83 4,76

The factor of safety for a distance of 3m and 4,5m between the shear panels increases whenthe embankment height decreases. The factor of safety for a distance of 1,5m between theshear panels fluctuates around the same values. This happens because srow is small so thearea of the sliding mass of the clay, the radius and the distance p have a great influenceon the safety factor. The critical slip circle for each construction stage is different anddetermined by SLOPE. The factor of safety for extrusion has to be more than 1,3 to havea safe design according to the Swedish design code [9] and Filz et al. [19]. Since the factorof safety is slightly underestimated, a safety factor of 1,27 for a distance of 3m betweenshear panels can be enough. Therefore, a distance between the shear panels of 3m can bechosen. The following calculations in this study are done for srow equal to 3m.

4.2 Internal stability

The current Swedish design method for stabilized ground, described in TK Geo 13 [9]assumes that the improved soil volume behaves as a composite soil volume. The assumedfailure mode is shear failure in both the stabilized soil and the clay. First, the strength ofthe composite soil volume can be calculated using the weighted average of the stiffness andstrength of the lime-cement columns and the surrounding soil. Thereafter, a slip surfaceanalysis will be done to calculate the safety factor. A slip surface analysis was performedwith limit equilibrium method using the program SLOPE. The Swedish design code doesnot include any reduction of strength and stiffness in the strength of the composite soil

No reduction of strength and stiffness at the overlap 38

volume due to a reduction of strength and stiffness in the overlap between adjacent columns.The method used by the Swedish design code is described in paragraph 4.2.1. The methodused to include reduction of strength and stiffness of the overlap between adjacent columnsin the undrained and drained shear strength of the composite soil volume is described inparagraph 4.2.2.

4.2.1 No reduction of strength and stiffness at the overlap

The Swedish design code for stabilized ground does not include any reduction in strengthand stiffness due to a weaker overlap. The following calculations are made according tothe Swedish design code for stabilized ground.

4.2.1.1 Undrained shear strength

The undrained shear strength of the composite soil volume can be calculated using equation4.2.13.

su = a · su,column + (1 − a) · su,clay (4.2.1)

Where:

• su,column is the undrained shear strength of the deep mixing columns, equal to 100kPa

• su,clay is the undrained shear strength of the clay ground, equal to 10+1,5z [kPa]

• a is the weighting factor, calculated belowTo calculate the factor a, equation 4.2.17- equation 4.2.5 is used. Figure 4.2.1 shows thedifferent factors calculated below. a is the ratio between the area of the column to the areaof the soil.

α = 2 · arccos(1 − Dcolumn − c1Dcolumn

) (4.2.2)

Asegment =D2column,1

8· (α− sin(α)) (4.2.3)

Acolumn,1 =π ·D2column

4− 2 · Asegment (4.2.4)

Acolumn,1 is the area of the column including overlap (green area in Figure 4.2.1).

Factor a can be calculated as the ratio between the column area and the area of the soil,using equation 4.2.5.

a =Aslicec1 · c2

(4.2.5)

Where:


• d is the diameter of the deep mixing columns, equal to 0,6m

• c1 is the centre-to-centre distance of the columns, equal to 0,5m

• c2 is the distance between two deep mixing rows, equal to 3m

Figure 4.2.1: Angle α, area of a circle segment in purple, area of the column, Acolumn,1 ingreen [10].

The different parameters calculated are summarized in Table 4.2.1.

Table 4.2.1: Factors to calculate a.

Parameters values

Dcolumn,1 [m] 0,6c1 [m] 0,5c2 [m] 3α [radians] 1,171Asegment[m

2] 0,0113Acolumn,1[m

2] 0,260Aslice[m

2] 0,520

a 0,173

The undrained shear strength is calculated using equation 4.2.13.

su = 0, 173 · 100 + (0, 827) · (10 + 1, 5z) = 25, 61 + 1, 24z[kPa] (4.2.6)

4.2.1.2 Drained shear strength

To calculate the drained shear strength, the Mohr Coulomb model is used. The drainedparameters of the clay ground and the deep mixing columns are shown in Table 4.2.2.

Table 4.2.2: Undrained parameters.

Parameters Clay Deep mixing columns

φ′ [◦] 30 32c′ [kPa] 0, 1 · su,clay β · su,col


The cohesionintercept in the deep mixing columns is dependent on the place of the columns:whether they are used in the active zone, direct shear zone or passive zone. The factorβ will differ dependent on where the composite soil volume is situated. This is shown inFigure 4.2.2. The factor β is equal to 0,4 in the active zone, 0,1 in the direct shear zoneand 0 in the passive zone. To find those different zones in the calculation with SLOPE,several iterations were performed.

Figure 4.2.2: Active zone, direct shear zone and passive zone for a soil volume developinga shear failure [10].

The drained shear strength of the clay and the deep mixing columns can be calculatedaccording to equation 4.2.7 and 4.2.8.

τclay = c′clay + σ

′v · tan(φ′clay) (4.2.7)

τcol = c′col + σ

′v · tan(φ′col) (4.2.8)

The effective vertical stress is calculated using equation 4.2.9.

σ′v = σv − uw (4.2.9)

The pore water pressure is calculated using equation 4.2.10.

uw = γwater · hwater = 10 · (z − 1) (4.2.10)

z is equal to zero at the ground surface level. The water level is lying 1 meter below theground surface.The total vertical stress is calculated using equation 4.2.11

σv = γembankment · hembankment + γclay/col · z = 20 · hembankment + 16, 5 · z (4.2.11)

Reduction of strength and stiffness at the overlap 41

The average drained shear strength is calculated according to equation 4.2.12

τaverage = a · τcol + (1 − a) · τclay (4.2.12)

For an embankment with a height of 7m, the undrained shear strength of the clay, thedeep mixing columns and the average shear strength is summarized in Table 4.2.3.

Table 4.2.3: Undrained shear strength for an embankment height of 7m.

τclay [kPa] τcolumns [kPa] τaverage [kPa]

General 87,55+3,91z - -

Active zone - 133,75+4,06z 95,57+3,93zDirect shear zone [m] - 103,75+4,06z 90,36+3,93zPassive zone - 93,75+4,06z 88,63+3,93z

4.2.2 Reduction of strength and stiffness at the overlap

The method used to include reduction of strength and stiffness of the overlap betweenadjacent columns in the undrained and drained shear strength of the composite soil volumeis described in this paragraph.

4.2.2.1 Undrained shear strength

The undrained shear strength of the composite soil volume can be calculated using equation4.2.13.

su = x · su,column + y · su,overlap + (1 − x− y) · su,clay (4.2.13)

Where:

• su,column is the undrained shear strength of the deep mixing columns, equal to 100kPa

• su,overlap is the undrained shear strength of the overlap, assumed to be equal to 50%of su,column = 50kPa or 25% of su,column = 25kPa

• su,clay is the undrained shear strength of the clay ground, equal to 10+1,5z [kPa]

• x and y are weighting factors, calculated below

The weighting factor x is calculated using equation 4.2.14.

x =asc · (Ac − 2 · Ao)

Ac(4.2.14)


The weighting factor y is calculated using equation 4.2.15. In this formulas you weight thearea of the column without overlap and the area of the two overlaps to the total columnarea.

y =aso · 2 · Ao

Ac(4.2.15)

Where:

• asc is the area replacement ratio of the columns

• aso is the area replacement ratio of the overlap zone

• Ac is the area of the columns without overlap

• Ao is the area of the overlap zone between the columns

These factors are calculated using equation 4.2.16-4.2.24 and Figure 4.2.3 [3], [4].The overlap distance between the columns, e, is calculated following equation 4.2.16.

e = d− scol (4.2.16)

One half of the chord angle, α , is calculated following equation 4.2.17.

α = cos−1(1 − ed

) (4.2.17)

The chord length of the overlap, c, is calculated following equation 4.2.18.

c = d · sin(α) (4.2.18)

The area of the overlap zone between the columns, A0, is calculated following equation4.2.19.

Ao = 2 · (α · (d

2)2 − (d− e) · c

4) (4.2.19)

The area of the columns without overlap, Ac, is calculated following equation 4.2.20.

Ac = π · (d

2)2 − 2Ao (4.2.20)

The effective width of overlap zone, bo2D, is calculated following equation 4.2.21.

bo2D =Aoc

(4.2.21)

The effective width of columns without overlap, bc2D, is calculated following equation4.2.22.

bc2D =Acd

(4.2.22)


The area replacement ratio of the overlap zone, aso, is calculated following equation 4.2.23.

aso =c

srow(4.2.23)

The area replacement ratio of the columns, asc, is calculated following equation 4.2.24.

asc =Ac

srow · (d− e− bo2D)(4.2.24)

Figure 4.2.3: Representation of the different factors needed to calculate the weightingfactors x and y [4].

The different parameters calculated are summarized in Table 4.2.4.

The undrained shear strength of the composite soil volume when a reduction of strengthand stiffness of 50% in the overlap zones is assumed is calculated using equation 4.2.25.

su = x · su,column + 0, 5y · su,column + (1− x− y) · su,clay = 24, 22 + 1, 24z[kPa] (4.2.25)

The undrained shear strength of the composite soil volume when a reduction of strengthand stiffness of 75% in the overlap zones is assumed is calculated using equation 4.2.26.

su = x · su,column + 0, 25y · su,column + (1− x− y) · su,clay = 23, 69 + 1, 24z[kPa] (4.2.26)

The sum of the weighting factors x and y is equal to 0,173, the weighting factor a calculatedin equation 4.2.5. This means that when there is no reduction of strength and stiffness inthe overlap between adjacent columns that the undrained shear strength calculated usingthis method is equal to the undrained shear strength calculated with the method accordingto the Swedish design code for stabilized ground described in paragraph 4.2.1.

4.2.2.2 Drained shear strength

The drained shear strength can be calculated using equation 4.2.7-4.2.11. The averagedrained shear strength is calculated according to equation 4.2.27

τaverage = x · τcolumn + y · τoverlap + (1 − x− y) · τclay (4.2.27)

Calculation safety factor 44

Table 4.2.4: Parameters used to calculate the weighting factors x and y.

Parameters Values

d [m] 0,6srow [m] 3scol [m] 0,5e [m] 0,1α [◦] 33,557c [m] 0,332Ao [m] 0,023Ac [m] 0,238

bo2D [m] 0,068bc2D [m] 0,396

aso 0,111asc 0,183

x 0,15y 0,021

4.2.3 Calculation safety factor

Once the undrained and drained shear strength of the composite soil volume is known,the limit equilibrium method can be used to calculate the safety factors in sequencingconstruction stages. To calculate the factors of safety with the limit equilibrium method,using the program SLOPE, a combined analysis and an undrained analysis was performed.In the combined analysis the lowest strength of either the undrained or the drained caseis used.The safety factors calculated in the different phases are summarised in Table 4.2.5 for thecombined analysis and Table 4.2.6 for the undrained analysis. An example of a safetyfactor analysis (combined analysis) using SLOPE is given in Figure 4.2.4. The active zone,direct shear zone and passive zone of the composite soil volume are shown in this figure.


Table 4.2.5: Safety factors calculated with the limit equilibrium method, combinedanalysis.

Height of the embankment (m) Safety factor Safety factor Safety factorno reduction 50% reduction 75% reduction


Figure 4.2.4: Example of shear failure in both the stabilized soil and the clay. Theembankment has a height of 7m and no reduction of strength and stiffness of the overlap

is included in the undrained shear strength of the composite soil in this case.


Table 4.2.6: Safety factors calculated with the limit equilibrium method, undrainedanalysis.

Height of the embankment (m) Safety factor Safety factor Safety factorno reduction 50% reduction 75% reduction


It can be seen that the safety factor is lower when a reduction of strength and stiffness ispresent in the overlap zones due to misalignment during construction. The safety factorsdecrease with an increasing reduction in strength and stiffness in the overlap zones. Thesafety factors of the undrained and combined analysis are the same up to an embankmentheight of 2m. This make sense because the undrained shear strength is always lowerthen the drained shear strength so the undrained shear strength is used in the combinedanalysis to calculate the safety factor. When the embankment has a height lower than2m, the drained shear strength is lower than the undrained shear strength. Therefore, thesafety factor calculated in the undrained analysis is higher than the safety factor calculatedin the combined analysis.It can be concluded that it is better to include the reduced quality of overlap in theanalytical calculations, following the method proposed in this study, in order to get a safedesign because the safety factor decreases when the quality of overlap reduces.

Chapter 5

Numerical calculations

Numerical analysis using a 2D plane strain model was performed to investigate the failurebehaviour of deep mixing columns supporting a highway or railway embankment. Thethree-dimensional columns are represented by a composite soil volume consisting of verticaljoints representing the overlap between adjacent columns. A comparison is made betweenthe analytical solution and the results from the numerical model. Afterwards, a sensitivityanalysis of the numerical model is performed in which the influence of the quality of theoverlap of adjacent columns is studied. The condition explained in paragraph 3.1 is usedas the standard.The finite element program PLAXIS 2D 2016 was used in this study to model the embank-ment supported by deep mixing columns.

5.1 Geometrical model

Deep mixing column panels oriented perpendicular to the axis of the embankment are aneffective arrangement for supporting the embankment loads. Shear walls constructed byoverlapping individual deep mixing columns contain vertical joints caused by the reducedwidth of the wall at the overlap between adjacent columns. These vertical joints can bemade weaker by misalignment during construction, which reduces the effic

two-dimensional analysis of the failure mechanisms of an...

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