Applications and Techniques

Rigid inclusion or Controlled stiffness columns (CSC®)

Rigid Inclusion or Controlled Stiffness Columns (CSC®) are installed through compressible soils to reduce settlement and increase bearing capacity.

IMPLEMENTATION
This technology offers an economic solution combining the advantage of piles and shallow foundations. Loads are transferred through the high modulus concrete columns onto a firm underlying layer with the distance between the rigid inclusion elements determined by the initial compressibility of the soil and the permissible settlement of the structure. The effectiveness of the reinforcement depends on the stiffness relation between columns and surrounding soil. This ground improvement technique is suitable to support a wide variety of constructions, be that in the housing sector, for industrial and/or commercial buildings, embankments and below warehouse slabs, where it would allow the use of shallow foundations.

BENEFITS
• Fast and economical process.
• Slabs in combination with load transfer layers can be designed as standard shallow foundations.
• Noise and vibration level are low.
• Can be carried out to depth of more than 40m, reducing settlements by a factor of 8 to 10.
• Suitable for very weak, cohesive and organic soils or soil profiles with a high water table.