Cambodia | Bassac Lane Restaurant, Phnom Penh

Project Overview

This project involved building a four-story reinforced concrete (RC) restaurant in the heart of Phnom Penh. The site was located in a densely built-up area, where soft and variable ground conditions raised early concerns about foundation safety and cost.

Challenge

Initial plans called for a deep foundation using bored piles. However, the projected cost exceeded the client’s budget. With soil layers including soft silty clay and loose sandy clay, an efficient ground improvement solution was needed that could still ensure load-bearing performance.

Ground Improvement Approach

Menard proposed the Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) technique as an alternative to deep piling, enabling the use of a shallow foundation system.

CMC Details:

• 40 columns installed

• CMC paired with isolated footings

• Supported total building load without the need for bored piles

Benefits for the Client:

• Over 50% cost savings on the foundation scope

• Reduced installation time

• Reliable ground performance with quality-controlled execution

Menard delivered full-scope support, from CMC design and installation to testing and final reporting—giving the client confidence without exceeding budget.

Working with a tight budget on soft ground?

Let’s explore how efficient methods like CMC can provide the stability you need—without the cost of deep foundations.

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