Deep Mixing Method (DMM)

The deep mixing method (DMM), also known as deep soil mixing or cement deep soil mixing (DSM/CDSM), is an in-situ soil treatment in which native soils or fills are blended with cementitious and/or other materials, typically referred to as binders. Ground treated by deep mixing methods has higher strength and lower compressibility than untreated ground. 

Two types of DMMs are used in the United States: wet mixing and dry mixing. Wet mixing
involves injecting binders in slurry (wet) form to blend with the soil. Primarily single-auger,
multi-auger, or cutter-based mixing processes are used with cement-based slurries to create
isolated elements, continuous walls or blocks for large-scale foundation improvement, earth
retaining systems, hydraulic barriers, and contaminant/fixation systems. Dry mixing uses binders in powder (dry) form that react with the water already present in the soil.

The binding and moisture absorbing properties of cement make it an ideal material to employ for deep mixing applications in any variety of soils. Many contractors choose to use cement due to availability and ease of acquisition.

PCA’s Market Development Department is staffed with engineers experienced in the use of cement-based technologies for a wide variety of infrastructure applications, and they are available to answer your questions. Learn more about their expertise and how to contact them here: Meet the Experts.