Reinforcement: Controlled Modulus Column (CMC)® Rigid Inclusions

Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) ® Rigid Inclusions

Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) is an environmentally sound and economical solution for strengthening soft ground using grouted inclusion.

Controlled Modulus Column was invented by Menard in 1990s as a cost effective alternative to piles. It increases the stiffness of the treated soil mass by allowing effective load sharing between the soils and the columns.

About CMC

Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) is installed using a specially designed displacement auger, powered by equipment with large torque capacity and high static down thrust to displace the soil laterally with virtually no spoil and vibration during penetration. The auger is pushed into the ground to the required depth while increasing the density of the surrounding soils. Cement mixture is then injected under pressure to form the Controlled Modulus Column (CMC), which is also known as rigid or semi-rigid inclusion. The result is a composite of soil-Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) acting as a homogeneous structure with enhanced bearing capacity.

The Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) construction process does not cause any damage to the surface nor produce any vibration impacting the surrounding environment. Several hundred linear meters of Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) with diameter ranging from 25 to 60 cm can be installed per shift. Normally, installation log is produced for each Controlled Modulus Column (CMC).

Application

Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) can be applied to various soil conditions. The technology works well in loose sands, soft loams, organic soils and anthropogenic soils (uncompacted fills, heaps). All types of enclosed buildings, infrastructure and special structures are well suited for the Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) technology.

The length of the Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) depends on the loadings and allowable settlements, which corresponds to the length of the anchorage in load bearing soils. Depending on the load per column, the diameter (ranging from 25 to 60 cm) and spacing (ranging from 1.2 to 2.5 m) are adjusted accordingly.

Advantages

Versatile solution: applicable to almost any type of soils including soils with significant organic content (peat, organic clays) and well adapted to high uniform surface loading with strict settlement requirements.
No spoil: virtually no spoil thus no need to dispose of contaminated soils, which results in cleaner project sites.
Noise and vibration free: can be used in the close vicinity of the existing civil and engineering structures.

Your CMC questions… and our answers

Can Controlled Modulus Columns be built where groundwater is present ?

Groundwater is no obstacle. Care should be taken and the design should be adapted accordingly in cases where the water flow through the soil is high.

Is there a risk that earthworks will break the columns ?

Our company systematically controls cut-off to ensure the quality of the works. There is no risk of damage if earthworks are carried out according to best practices.

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