In-Situ Mass Stabilisation

Mechanical binder mixing to 5.5 m depth — ground improvement without excavation.

IN-SITU MASS STABILISATION

In-situ Mass Stabilisation is a ground improvement in which a binding agent (typically lime, cement, or a combined binder) is mechanically mixed into weak soil to improve its strength, reduce its compressibility and reduce permeability. The process converts weak, wet or unstable soils into a more competent material that can support loads, be trafficked by construction plant, or form the foundation for embankments and structures.

In New Zealand, IMS is particularly applicable where low strength alluvial soils, or weak volcanic deposits are encountered during earthworks, embankment construction, road widening or infrastructure development. It is a sustainable technique that treats the material in place, eliminating the need for extensive excavation and disposal of unsuitable material, with significant programme and cost advantages where soft ground extends over large areas or to significant depths.

APPLICATIONS

  • Soft ground treatment for road and rail construction; embankment foundation improvement and rehabilitation of failed embankments. In-situ shear key construction where open shear key excavation will destabilise a slope.
  • Stabilisation of saturated, contaminated or unsuitable earthworks material
  • Coastal and estuarine infrastructure foundations; platform creation for construction plant access

GSI NZ CAPABILITY

  • In-situ mass stabilisation rig treats to 5.5 m depth in a single pass, well suited to soft alluvial and volcanic soil profiles common on North Island infrastructure projects
  • Binder type and dosage determined through laboratory testing of site soils prior to production mixing begins
  • Field sampling during construction confirms treated material meets specified strength and consistency requirements
  • GPS machine control to ensure correct depth and extent of mixing — GPS recorded as-built records
  • SiteWise Gold accredited, Totika Listed, delivered for transport infrastructure, commercial development, and earthworks contractors nationwide

THE GSI DIFFERENCE

ONE TEAM.
ONE CONTRACT.

  • In-house geotechnical engineers design the treatment programme, confirm binder dosage through laboratory testing, and supervise installation — one contract, no split between design and ground treatment.
  • Reduced excavation and spoil disposal. IMS treats the ground in-place, delivering significant programme and cost savings on large-area projects.
  • IMS integrates with deep soil mixing and jet grouting under the same team, covering all ground treatment disciplines under one contract for projects requiring multiple methods.

HOW WE APPROACH IN-SITU MASS STABILISATION

Step 1

Site Investigation & Binder Design

Soil sampling, classification, and laboratory testing define the soil properties. Laboratory mix design testing then determines the binder type and dosage required to achieve the target strength for the specific soil profile.

Step 2

Mechanical Mixing

The IMS tool is deployed across the treatment area in a systematic grid pattern. Binder is injected and blended mechanically to the design depth, forming a uniform stabilised mass without excavation or spoil removal. GSI's onsite grout batching plant reduces truck movements and fuel cost.

Step 3

Verification & Loading

UCS testing of field samples confirms the treated soil has achieved the design strength before any loading is applied. Full QA records are compiled into a completion report for client records and regulatory purposes.

CASE STUDY

Motuoapa Wastewater Treatment Plant

GSI NZ was engaged by Marshall Projects to carry out in-situ mass stabilisation at the Motuoapa Wastewater Treatment Plant. Soft ground beneath the facility required improvement to provide adequate support for the treatment plant infrastructure.

IMS treatment avoided the excavation, spoil disposal, and engineered fill placement that would have been required under a conventional approach, delivering significant programme and cost savings while achieving the required bearing capacity for the facility foundation.

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Mass Stabilisation
at Scale.

In-situ mass stabilisation treats large volumes of soft ground quickly and cost-effectively. Our team will assess your site and recommend the right approach.

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