Discover Menard Canada's main ground improvement techniques through this concise and visual brochure. Learn how our innovative solutions adapt to a wide range of soil conditions and project requirements.
Menard Canada Solutions
Stone Columns
Advantages of Stone Columns include: • Enhancing the shear capacity of soils • Densify granular layers • Effective for liquefaction mitigation • Enhance drainage characteristics of soils • Very little spoil is generated when displacement installation methods are used
Learn more and see Stone Columns in action here: https://youtu.be/WT3RD_MiVyw
Stone columns are columns of compacted aggregate that are used to enhance shear capacity, reduce settlement, increase bearing capacity and mitigate liquefaction
used to enhance slope stability and prevent lateral spreading. The elements may be installed in a grid pattern under uniformly loaded structures and can also be installed in groups to accommodate very concentrated loads. Stone columns are proven to efficiently mitigate liquefaction owed to the significant densification of granular layers that occurs during installation; enhanced drainage capacity is also a benefit for liquefaction mitigation. In spite of the versatility of Stone columns, slower installation rates and subsequent higher cost of stone columns deeper than about 40 feet make their use for deeper soils less viable. Stone columns are not applicable for very soft clays or organic soils where the columns would beprone to excessive settlement or even failure. For deeper applications and for sites with very soft soils, other systems such as Controlled Modulus Columns (CMC)® should be considered.
Stone columns are continuous columns of compacted aggregate that are typically formed using a vibratory probe or ramming probe to create vertical inclusions of high stiffness, shear strength and improved drainage characteristics. Stone columns typically range in diameter between 18 and 42 inches. When a vibratory probe is used to form the hole in which the stone column is constructed, then the elements are referred to as Vibro stone columns or Vibratory stone columns. If separate drilling equipment is used to create the hole in which the stone is placed, then the elements are commonly referred to as Aggregate piers Implementation Stone columns can be installed using a wide variety of methods and equipment to create the hole and to place and compact the aggregate.
Conventional vibratory probes or “flots” are equipped with a leading head that vibrates laterally as it is inserted into the ground, displacing the soils laterally as it advances to the target depth. This same probe is used to compact the placed stone as well. For applications where the hole will not stay open, stone is added through a side feeder tube – this method is known as the “bottom-feed method.” Where the hole stays open, the stone is added directly from the surface – this is known as the top-feed method. In addition to flots (where the vibratory is generated at the leading head), stone columns can be installed with top drive vibratory probes Applications Stone columns are commonly used to reduce settlement and increase the bearing capacity of soils for the support of structures. Because of their high shear strength, they are also commonly
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Soil Mixing
Advantages of Soil Mixing include: • Extremely versatile technique • Wide variety of ground improvement, ground treatment, and geotechnical construction applications • Relatively free of vibrations • Columns and panels can be installed in a variety of configurations • Can be used to form stable work platforms for follow-on construction activities
Soil mix columns
Mass stabilization/shallow mixing
mixing is performed in linear panels that are overlapped to result in mass or full treatment of the improved zone. Shallow mixing is typically limited to a depth of approximately 20-ft. Applications For ground improvement applications, soil mixing is commonly used to reduce the compressibility of weak soils, to enhance shear resistance and bearing capacity, and to mitigate liquefaction. Soil mixing is also used to support tunneling and excavation operations, for hydraulic cut-off, and can also be incorporated into earth retention structures. For environmental remediation applications, soil mixing is commonly used to treat, neutralize, demobilize, or confine contaminants that are present in the soils.
Soil mixing is the process of mixing cement or other binders with in- situ soils by means of augers or other specially designed mixing tools. Soil mixing is one of the most versatile geotechnical construction techniques and is used for a wide variety of applications, including ground improvement, tunneling support, support of excavation, hydraulic cut-off, and environmental remediation. Depending on the application, the additives that are mixed with the soil may be selected in order to stiffen, bind, or decrease permeability.
wet or dry form, and thoroughly mixing within the treated zone. Soil mixing may be performed using augers or paddles to form soil mix columns. Columns can be installed to depths of up to 80-ft and typical diameters are in the range of 2-ft to 8-ft. Columns may be installed using single- or multiple- axis tooling allowing for the installation of separate or overlapping/tangent columns. Depending on the application, columns can be installed individually or to form continuous rows, panels, grids, or block/mass treatment. Shallow mixing, also referred to as mass stabilization is most typically performed with a bladed rotary mixing tool that is attached to the arm of an excavator. Rather than columns, the
Implementation Soil mixing
involves breaking up the soil structure, adding cement (or other additives) in
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Controlled Modulus Columns (CMCs) ®
Advantages of CMCs include: • Effective in very soft soils • Can be installed to extremely deep depths • High load carrying capability • Only minimal spoils generated during installation • Does not provide a pathway for groundwater contamination migration
CRUST
Learn more and see Controlled Modulus Columns (CMC)® in action here: https://youtu.be/N2L-xfa7dZg
SOFT
STIFF/DENSE
Controlled Modulus Columns (CMC)® are grouted columns formed using specially-designed tooling that displac- es soil laterally, producing very little spoil. As the auger is extracted, a column of cement-based grout is formed.
of the ground resulting in a composite system. The load from the structure is distributed to the soil and CMCs, with the proportion of load carried by the soils depending on the stiffness of the soils – the stiffer the soil, the higher proportion of the stresses carried by the soil. Typically, a layer of compacted stone known as a Load Transfer Platform (LTP) is designed to span across the top of the CMCs to help distribute the load from the structure to the elements. CMCs are well adapted to high surface loading conditions and strict settlement requirements and are used to support slabs-on-grade, foundations, embankments, and other structures on compressible clays, fills and organic soils.
Controlled Modulus Columns (CMCs)® are vertical, grouted elements that typically range in diameter from approximately 12 inches to 18 inches. CMCs were developed by Menard’s French affiliate, Menard Soltraitement, in 1994. Since that time, with the industry-wide acceptance of CMCs, the technique is now commonly referred to as rigid inclusions. Installation CMCs are usually installed with displacement-type drilling equipment but may sometimes be installed via a driven casing. With the displacement installation processes, the surrounding soils are displaced laterally, and only a minimal amount of spoil is generated.
The drilled-in elements are installed with virtually no vibration. CMCs may be installed in a grid pattern under uniformly loaded structures, but can also be installed in groupings to accommodate highly concentrated loads. CMCs are installed by advancing the tooling pipe to the target depth, retracting the tooling, and filling with cement-based grout as the tooling is retracted - grout is discharged at the base of the hollow tooling. CMCs have been installed to depths of over 150 feet. Applications The combined effect of reinforcement and densification from the installation process improves the characteristics
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Dynamic Compaction
Advantages of Dynamic Compaction include: • Simple implementation – no materials are added to the ground • Economical, particularly for large-footprint sites • Eliminates removal and replacement ofr traditional foundations such as piling • Very low carbon footprint as compared to other forms of ground improvement or traditional foundations • Does not generate spoil
Dynamic Compaction is performed by repeatedly dropping heavy weights on the ground in a predetermined grid pattern
is analytically based and considers the target improvement, ground conditions, groundwater elevation, and site configuration. The required design energy is delivered to the ground through the most efficient combination of drop height, weight, number of drops per location, and grid spacing of impact points. The achievable depth of treatment depends on subsurface conditions, pounder weight, and drop height. On-site test trials are usually used to verify design assumptions and confirm program parameters. Applications Because crane mobilization can be relatively costly, dynamic compaction is typically most economical for sites with relatively large footprints. The technique is most commonly used to
Dynamic compaction is a cost-effective technique used for deep ground densification. High energy waves created by the repeated impact of heavy weights compact areas of loose granular soils, uncontrolled fills, or waste materials to increase density and collapse voids. Dynamic compaction was invented by Louis Menard in 1968 and has been used successfully on thousands of projects around the world. Implementation Dynamic compaction consists of repeatedly lifting and dropping heavy steel weights (also known as pounders) weighing 15 to 40 tons from heights of 30 to 120 feet. The weights are dropped from a crane in essentially free fall. The design of the dynamic compaction program
densify granular soils, homogenize the bearing properties of variable fills, compressing and collapsing voids in landfills, and breaking/crushing karstic limestone layers. Dynamic compaction can efficiently reduce total and differential settlement, increase bearing capacity, and mitigate liquefaction. With Dynamic Compaction, in-situ improvement occurs without the addition of materials such as stone or cement/grout into the ground making dynamic compaction one of the most environmentally sustainable ground improvement techniques. The technique relies on sending energy into the ground, so special care must be taken when vibration- or settlement- sensitive structures are present at or near the site.
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Rapid Impact Compaction
Advantages of RIC include: • Simple implementation – no materials are added to the ground • Performed with smaller excavator- mounted unit – a crane is not required • More protective of existing structures than dynamic compaction • Economical, particularly for small- footprint sites • Eliminates removal and replacement of traditional foundations such as piling • Very low carbon footprint as compared to other forms of ground improvement
or traditional foundations • Does not generate spoil
Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) is performed by repeatedly driving a steel plate into the ground in a predetermined grid pattern.
Rapid impact compaction (RIC) is a cost-effective technique used for shallow to intermediate ground densification. The energy delivered to the ground by RIC is of higher frequency and produces less vibration than its more robust counterpart dynamic compaction (DC). As compared to DC, RIC is used at sites where shallower or lighter densification is required, at sites where space or access limitations would make mobilization of a large crane impractical, for small footprint projects, and where working near settlement- or vibration-sensitive structures. Implementation RIC is performed by repeatedly driving a circular steel plate (also known as a foot) into the ground. A hydraulic
properties of variable fills, and compress and collapse voids in landfills. RIC can efficiently reduce total and differential settlement, increase bearing capacity, and mitigate liquefaction. Treatment depths can extend to 10 to 12 feet in most cases, and with ideal conditions (limited amount of fines, and deep groundwater), improvement can be achieved to depths up to 18 feet. As improvement occurs without the addition of materials such as stone or cement/grout into the ground, RIC is one of the most environmentally sustainable ground improvement techniques.
piling hammer supported by an excavator base unit is used to drive a 7- to 10- ton weight into the ground from a height of approximately 3.5 feet. The foot is typically 4- to 5- feet in diameter. The design of the RIC programs is analytically based and considers the target improvement, ground conditions, groundwater elevation, and site configuration. The required design energy is delivered to the ground through the most efficient combination of the number of drops per location, grid spacing of impact points, and phasing and rest periods. On-site test trials are typically used to verify design expectations and confirm program parameters. Applications RIC is commonly used to densify granular soils, normalize the bearing
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Vibro Compaction
Advantages of Vibro Compaction include: • Confined liquefaction, which enables the different soil layers to be treated in an adapted and optimised manner. • Enables very high compaction depths to be achieved. • Effective anti-liquefaction treatment. • In some cases, Vibro Compaction can replace Dynamic Compaction.
Technical Data: • Maximum Depth Treatment: 50 m
Vibro Compaction (or vibroflotation) is used to densify loose soil or fill to the desired depth.
Implementation Penetration
Extraction The vibrating probe is then gradually lifted in successive passes, generating a column of compacted ground from 2 to 4.5 m in diameter, depending on the type of soil and the energy deployed by the type of probe used. Applications Ports, airports, residential, logistics platform/industrial buildings, dykes, dams.
The Vibro Compaction process involves locally liquefying the soil by penetrating it inside with a vibrating probe and the addition of water. This rearranges the grains into a denser state by reducing voids. This solution increases the overall compactness of the soil mass. The benefits of this technique are manifold: • Reduction of settlements • Anti-liquefaction treatment • Stabilisation of hydraulic embankments • Limitation of active earth pressure acting on a quay, etc.
Vibrocompaction is carried out using a vibrating probe mounted on a drilling rig, crane or excavator. Under the effect of its own weight, any machine’s pull-down force, water injection through jets and sustained horizontal vibrations, the probe is down to the required depth. The water jets at the tip of the probe are then stopped. Rearrangement The supply of water continues from the top of the vibrating probe, creating a slump cone that facilitates the rearrangement of soil particles. The water flow along the vibrator helps transport materials from the surface down to the compaction zone at the vibrating probe base.
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Wick Drains
Advantages of Wick Drains include: • Virtually no spoil is created (unless predrilling is required) • Simple installation process • Fast rate of installation • Economical method for expediting consolidation settlement • Layers gain strength as they consolidate • Allows for more rapid fill placement for embankments and fills constructed on compressible soils
Wick drains are installed within a steel mandrel that is pushed into the ground to the required depth. An anchor plate is used to prevent soil from entering the mandrel and to secure the drain in place as the mandrel is extracted.
as groundwater flows into the drain. The drains are usually installed in a grid pattern, with spacings most commonly in the range of 3- to 8- feet. Wick drains have been installed to depths of over 150 feet. Where thin, dense layers are present, vibratory support can be applied to better enable penetration. To penetrate stiff or dense layers of significant thickness, it is usually necessary to pre- drill or pre-punch to aid in installation. Wick drains are installed by pushing and retracting a steel mandrel into the ground with the wick drain material housed inside – an anchor plate affixed to the bottom of the drain holds the drain in place as the mandrel is retracted . Applications Wick drains are used to expedite consolidation drainage in clays, silts, tailings, and sludges by releasing pore pressure and reducing the time needed
Wick drains, also known as prefabricated vertical drains, are a cost-effective solution for speeding up the consolidation of fine-grained soils to accelerate construction and limit long- term settlement. Used in combination with pre-loading, wick drains evacuate pore water from soft, compressible soils to induce consolidation and settlement. This allows for construction to begin in as little as one to three months instead of up to twelve months or even longer. The reduction of the water content of the saturated layers allows the soils to better accommodate superimposed loads and minimizes future settlement. Installation Wick drains are comprised of a channelized plastic core that is encased by a geotextile fabric. The geotextile acts as a filter to minimize the migration of fine-grained soils into the channels
for groundwater to be evacuated from the layer. They are very commonly used in combination with soil preloads for structures such as buildings and tanks, or with surcharges for earthen structures such as embankments, dams, levees and general fills. Because of the light-weight nature of the drains and the fast rates of installation, wick drains are an extremely economical method for improving soft compressible layers. As consolidation occurs, pore water is sent to the drains and is discharged to a granular drainage blanket at the top of the drains – in some cases, the water discharges from the drain into coarse-grained layers that intercept the drain. As the drains are designed to carry groundwater flow, special care should be taken when contamination is present at the site, or if the drains penetrate layers that are under artesian pressure.
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