Behaviour of DCM columns under highway embankment at bridge approaches

The large post-construction differential settlement between a bridge and the backfill behind the abutment has been the major problem in the construction of expressway embankment over a soft clay foundation. There are many methods to treat the soft clay and to control the total and differential settlements. These methods include preloading with or without drainage and surcharge, replacement method and embankment piles, etc. In some cases, the use of soil-cement columns formed by deep cement mixing (DCM) can be an economical and effective alternative to improve the soft soils to minimise the settlement and to improve the stability of the bridge abutment.Doctor of Philosoph