Test Methods and Specifications

Cover of Dry Deep Soil Mixing
Dry Deep Soil Mixing
  • Publication no: ATS-2180-25
  • Published: 9 December 2025
  • Edition: 1.0

Austroads Technical Specification ATS 2180 sets out the requirements for ground improvement by deep soil mixing (DSM) using the dry mixing method.

DSM is undertaken by the following process:

  • a) penetration of a special mixing tool into the ground to the required depth of treatment;
  • b) injecting the Binder (as a dry powder) through the tip of the tool via compressed air; and
  • c) mixing the Binder and soil by mechanical means to cause disaggregation of the soil and thorough mixing with the Binder to form a column.

This technical specification can also be downloaded as a Word document.

  • 1. Scope
  • 2. Referenced Documents
  • 3. Definitions
  • 4. Quality System Requirements
  • 5. Site Investigation and Preliminary Testing
    • General
    • Lot Identification and Location
    • Test Areas Within Lots
  • 6. Materials
  • 7. Plant and Equipment
  • 8. Site Preparation and Management
    • General
  • 9. Construction – General
    • Quality Plan
    • Column Position and Dimension
    • Control and Monitoring
    • Ground/Column Heave and Lateral Displacement
    • Construction Records
  • 10. Trial Columns
    • Field Trial Mixing Parameters
    • Construction of the Trial Columns
    • Testing of the Trial Columns
    • Acceptance of Trial Columns
  • 11. Production Columns
  • 12. Testing of the DSM Columns
  • 13. Conformity Requirements
    • Acceptance Criteria
    • Treatment of Nonconformity
  • 14. Completion of the DSM Columns
  • Annexure A Summary of Hold Points, Witness Points and Records
  • Annexure B Test Method to Determine UCS and 50% UCS Secant Modulus
  • Annexure C Test Method for Concrete Compressive Strength Using Cores
  • Annexure D Column Pull Out Resistance Test (PORT) and Push In Resistance Test (PIRT)
    • D.1 Vane Equipment Details
    • D.2 Testing Procedure – PORT
    • D.3 Testing Procedure – PIRT
    • D.4 Submission of Test Results
  • Annexure E Column Head Exposure Test