The Controlled Modulus Columns (CMC) are used to improve the soil characteristics of a compressible soil layer on a global scale and to reduce its compressibility by use of semi-rigid soil reinforcement columns. Unlike a piling solution which is designed to support the entire load of the structures on the piles, the objective of a CMC solution is to increase the stiffness of the soil mass to globally reduce both total and differential settlements by sharing the load of the structure between the soils and the CMCs.

The improved soil mass thus behaves as a composite soil/cement ground improvement system with enhanced stiffness characteristics. The entire process is vibration free and does not generate any spoil at the surface, which allows a cleaner job environment and limits the risk of contamination. Under uniformly loaded structures such as embankments and slabs, a load transfer platform is designed between the top of the columns and the structure to efficiently transfer the load to the CMCs. This load transfer platform is made of well compacted granular material with thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 m depending on the type of structure and the soil conditions.

A specially designed auger, powered by equipment with large torque capacity and high static down thrust, displaces the soil laterally, with virtually no spoil or vibration. The displacement auger is pushed into the ground to the required depth resulting in an increment of the density of the surrounding soils.

During the auger extraction process, a column is developed by grouting under controlled limited pressure (less than 5 bars) through the stem of the displacement auger to achieve a predetermined stiffness ratio with the surrounding soil. The result is a composite soil/cement ground improvement system. Current practice is to install columns with diameters varying between 250 and 500 mm. Controlled Modulus Columns are designed, performed, and controlled according to specifications that were validated by our corporate standards.

• Well adapted to high uniform surface loading with strict settlement requirements;
• Virtually no spoil thus no need to dispose of contaminated soils, which results in cleaner project sites;
• Very high production outputs;
• Virtually no limitation in use for any type of compressible soils, including soils with significant organic content (e.g., peat, organic clays, etc.);
• The technique is vibration free and can be used in the close vicinity of sensitive structures;
• And many more…

Do you need more consultation on ground improvement for your project? Contact us directly at regional@menard-asia.com

Menard Asia is a specialist geotechnical EPC contractor offering ground improvement and remediation works in Malaysia , Indonesia , Vietnam, Singapore, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Philippines, Thailand and other South-East Asia Countries