SYNOPSIS

Ground improvement utilising deep soil mixing (DSM) technology has advanced appreciably and can now be used to solve an extensive range of geotechnical problems. Earth retention using DSM has been applied for many projects since its introduction into Malaysia in 2002. DSM columns can be constructed to form a gravity block (with no steel reinforcements) which allow excavation to be carried out without lateral supports i.e. ground anchors or struts. Besides achieving greater economy relative to conventional piling techniques, DSM has obvious “green” attributes. This talk will cover the development of mixing technology for various soil types, construction controls (e.g. minimum cement content, mixing cycles, grout pressures, quality control) and limitations. Design considerations to minimise risks of development of tensile stresses and tensile-progressive failures will be explained. The importance of real time data acquisition system and experienced supervision crew to control quality during construction will be highlighted. Latest technology to form larger diameter columns to increase efficiency will be briefly introduced.


PROFILE OF SPEAKER

Ir. Yee Yew Weng, is presently the Managing Director of Keller ASEAN. He has over 25 years of experience in design and management of large-scale ground improvement and heavy foundation projects. After his graduation from Monash University in 1989 with M. Eng. Sc. he joined Arup Geotechnics and was involved in geotechnical design work in Malaysia, such as Genting Highlands development and KLCC geotechnical studies, alongside international projects. He joined Keller Malaysia in 2003 and has since seen expansion of his leadership role to cover ASEAN. He enjoys enabling innovative ideas to be realised on the ground to achieve greater technical and costs efficiencies, especially where geotechnical and structural engineers interact. He has been active in geotechnical society work within the region having been past Chairman of the Geotechnical Engineering Technical Division in IEM, past Chairman of the Working Group on EC 7 Malaysia National Annex and committee member for various positions in the South East Asian Society. He currently serves as Deputy President of the Malaysian Geotechnical Society.