Case Study: Slope Stabilization using Deep Soil Mix (DSM) Columns – Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Bayou Choctaw Facility-Video

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An emergency slope repair at a Strategic Petroleum Reserve facility began after a roadway crack revealed an active failure toward a lake formed by a collapsed salt cavern. The soft, organic soils and rapid movement made conventional options—riprap, sheet piles, and piles—impractical or too risky. Deep soil mixing (DSM) was selected to stabilize the slope and keep the roadway operational.<br /><br />The design used shear panels and a continuous front row of DSM panels, targeting a mix strength of 100 psi. With only weeks to investigate and test, the team used limited laboratory data and a conservative cement dosage. Construction required careful sequencing: the site was cut down to reduce loading, and the rig advanced from more stable ground while relying on cured DSM for support.<br /><br />Monitoring recorded movement during installation, but post-construction movement was minimal, and the roadway remained stable. A later crack occurred in the untreated slope in front of the panels—an anticipated shallow failure—while the roadway and treated zone continued to perform well.

Keywords

emergency slope repair

deep soil mixing

Strategic Petroleum Reserve

salt cavern collapse

roadway stabilization