Uncertain strength, deformation and flowproperties in dry deep mixing columns often lead to conservative choicesconcerning design values where the design is regularly complemented with asurcharge fill.  The surcharge not onlyleads to increased cost but also to logistical problems where the surcharge isa physical obstacle.  The deformationproperties of a ground improvement were studied by means of two smallembankment load tests.  The settlementmeasurements were also used in FEM analyses, where the effect of surcharge oncreep settlements was investigated.  Basedon the results, the effects of the surcharge were considered negligible and couldsafely be ignored.  The project is anexample how the contractor can use a field test as an effective designapproach.