Presentation and key elements
What is it?
Controlled Modulus Columns (CMC) are used to improve the mass properties of compressible soils to reduce their compressibility using a grid of rigid inclusions. Rigid inclusions are installed using a simple and efficient process with or without soil displacement during drilling. Grout or concrete is injected at low pressure through the hollow stem of the drilling tool. CMC diameters are generally between 280 to 450 mm
When and why use it?
This solution aims to provide an equivalent improved soil mass stiffness to globally reduce total and differential settlements by sharing loads of the structure between the ground and the CMCs. There is no limitation in use for any type of weak grounds, including soils with significant organic content (peat, organic clays, etc.), and the technique can uniformly support slab-on-grade and shallow footings, spread footings, strip foundations, and retaining walls. The use of a rigid inclusion ground improvement enables the reduction of the cost of the structure (decrease of concrete thickness and steel reinforcement). The entire process is vibration-free and does generate a very limited amount of surface spoil, which allows a cleaner job environment and limits the risk of contamination.
They are an economical alternative to traditional deep foundation solutions and can prove to be beneficial for the global design of the overlying structure.
💡 Menard’s tip
Our CMC can provide significant savings on both cost and time over more traditional techniques.
