Mixed In Place (MIP): A Smart Ground Improvement Solution for Modern Construction

In the ever-evolving world of construction, the pressure to deliver faster, safer, and more sustainable solutions has never been greater. Project teams must balance cost-effectiveness with programme certainty, all while navigating complex ground conditions and working within the constraints of urban and environmentally sensitive environments.

At Bauer Technologies, we understand that the ground is often one of the most unpredictable elements of any project. That’s why we champion innovative techniques that improve certainty and efficiency from the very start. One such technique is Mixed In Place (MIP) soil mixing - a ground improvement and earth retention method that is gaining momentum for good reason.

What Is MIP?

Mixed In Place is a method of in-situ soil mixing, where the existing ground is mechanically blended with a cementitious binder to create improved soil–cement elements. This process produces structural or semi-structural columns, panels, or blocks that can serve multiple geotechnical functions - without the need to excavate or remove large volumes of material. 

Unlike traditional excavation and replacement or driven piling methods, MIP is performed entirely in place, using specialist equipment that rotates mixing tools into the soil while injecting a binder, such as cement or lime. It is the only soil mixing technique that achieved complete homogenisation of the soil due to the specific process of the triple auger mixing. The result? A stiffened, stabilised zone of ground with tailored strength, stiffness, and permeability properties - designed to suit the needs of the project.

Why Choose MIP?

MIP offers a number of compelling advantages across a range of applications:

  • Versatility Across Applications | MIP can be adapted to meet a wide variety of project needs, including:
    • Ground improvement beneath structures
    • Retaining and embedded wall construction
    • Slope stabilisationHydraulic cut-off walls for water or contamination control
    • Hydraulic cut-off walls for water or contamination control
    • Foundation slabs and working platforms
  • Minimised Waste and Environmental Impact | Because the existing soil is reused, there is no need for large-scale spoil removal or backfill. This significantly reduces waste sent to landfill and lowers the carbon footprint associated with transport and materials handling. Fewer lorries on-site also mean less congestion and a lower impact on local communities.
  • Low Noise and Vibration | MIP is a quiet and vibration-free technique, making it ideal for construction in sensitive locations such as inner-city developments, near existing buildings, or alongside live infrastructure like railways and utilities. This helps reduce risks of structural damage, disruption, and stakeholder complaints.
  • Rapid Installation and Programme Gains | With no excavation required, MIP enables a faster start to enabling works. It also eliminates the delays typically associated with managing spoil and coordinating multiple subcontractors. Once installed, soil-mixed elements can be used immediately for subsequent phases of construction, supporting more efficient sequencing.
  • Controlled and Consistent Results | Through rigorous mix design, testing, and real-time monitoring, MIP produces highly predictable strength and stiffness outcomes. This reliability allows for greater confidence in geotechnical design and reduced risk of unforeseen ground movement or settlement.

From infrastructure and commercial buildings to energy facilities and brownfield regeneration, MIP is an effective solution where space, time, and environmental constraints are critical. 

MIP in Action: Supporting Smarter Construction

At Bauer Technologies, we bring international experience and industry-leading expertise in specialist geotechnical engineering. Our MIP services are supported by a fully integrated approach - from design and modelling through to execution and verification - ensuring the method delivers both technically and commercially.

Clients who choose MIP benefit from:

  • A tailored approach based on site-specific ground conditions
  • Integrated sustainability gains aligned with ESG objectives
  • Fewer interfaces and streamlined logistics
  • The backing of a trusted partner with a strong track record

In Summary

Mixed In Place (MIP) soil mixing is more than a technical alternative - it’s a smarter way to build. For project teams seeking solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and adaptable, MIP offers a compelling option. Whether you're stabilising poor ground, forming earth retention systems, or reducing project risks, soil mixing should be part of your value engineering toolbox.

To learn more about Bauer Technologies, visit - https://www.bauertech.co.uk/en/about-us