RIGID INCLUSIONS: A GROUND
IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUE
DELHI TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
SUBJECT – GROUND IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES
“GTE –6303”
SUMBITTED BY: SUMBITTED TO:
ANKIT SINGH (2K20/GTE/04)
WHAT ARE RIGID INCLUSIONS (RI)?
Rigid inclusions are a ground
improvement method using high
deformation modulus columns
constructed through weak, highly
compressible soils to reduce
settlement and increase bearing
capacity.
The technique consists of the
combination of an array of vertical
rigid columns and a granular mattress
(load transfer layer) so that loading
from an embankment or slab is
transferred to a deep bearing stratum.
Fig 1: Rigid Inclusions
This allows the use of shallow foundations to support structures on
compressible soils.
Soil reinforcement with rigid inclusions reduces settlements very
efficiently (with a reduction factor in the range of 3 to 8).
RI are provided with Load Transfer Platform (LTP) so that the load is
transferred to the RI uniformly.
RI are generally unreinforced.
RI can be used in all construction sectors.
They are not connected to the footing thus they are not a deep
foundation.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RI AND DEEP
FOUNDATION
• RI and deep foundation are not
same.
• RI are not connected to the footing
thus they are not a deep
foundation.
• RI are not designed to take up the
entire load.
• RI are cheaper than pile
foundation as RI do not include
reinforcement, pile caps and RI
are not designed for entire Fig 2:Pile foundation and Rigid Inclusions
structure load.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
To study the mechanism of load transfer in Rigid Inclusions.
To understand the construction process adopted RI.
Case studies based on Rigid Inclusions.
MECHANISM OF LOAD TRANSFER IN RI
Fig 3:Mechanism of load transfer in Rigid Inclusions
Loads from the foundation are transferred to the LTP i.e., a gravel
layer.
From the LTP, loads are transferred to the RI and surrounding soils
depending on their relative stiffness.
Most of the applied loads are transferred to the rigid inclusions and
some of the load is transferred to the surrounding matrix soils.
This can be analysed by spring analogy in which stiffer spring
represents RI and softer springs represent soft soil.
This results in reduced overall settlement and differential settlement.
How are Rigid Inclusions Built?
• Hollow mandrel method: A hollow
mandrel is used to penetrate the ground
and displace weak soils laterally. Either
grout, grouted stone or concrete is
extruded from the end of the mandrel, or
from multiple ports within the hollow
mandrel. As the mandrel is gradually
lifted, it leaves behind a rigid inclusion
column of controlled stiffness.
• Drill method: To create
rigid- inclusions, a hollow, dual flight
auger is lowered from a crane as it
spins. Grout is then gradually added as
the auger spins in reverse from the
bottom of the cavity to the top of it,
leaving behind a mixture of grout and
soil to create a rigid inclusion. Fig: Installation of Rigid Inclusion
Types of Rigid
Inclusions Available
Grouted rammed
aggregate piers system
Precision grouted
rammed aggregate piers
Geoconcrete columns
Controlled modulus
columns
Controlled stiffness
columns
Advantages:
Performance:
Rigid inclusions transfer loads to stable layers for greater strength.
Lower cost
Reduced load tranfer requirements
Shorter construction time
Reduce Settlement with a reduction factor in the range of (3 to 8)
Support building on shallow spread foundations.
Higher bearing pressures reduces footing dimensions
Minimize differential settlement between columns and surrounding
structure.
Rigid Inclusion Applications:
Isolating Stress from Heavily Loaded
Footings.
Supporting Heavily Loaded Mats and
Slabs.
Embankment or Wall Support in Very Poor
Soil.
Ground Improvement for Thick Organic
and Peat Layers.
Providing Foundation Support Adjacent to
Below-Grade Structures.
High Capacity, Engineered Approach
where Rammed Aggregate Alone will not
Suffice.
Fig: MSE Wall
Economics:
Ram aggregate piers and Rigid inclusion often provides 20 to
40% cost saving in comparsion with deep foundation.
Additional benefits:
Pile capaicty KN/m2
Speed of construction.
Ease of construction.
Recent Projects:
1) 100 College Street 14-Story Office Building 2) Assembly Row, Blocks 1-4 and 10
and 10-Story Parking Garage
Location: Somerville, New Jersey, U.S
Rigid Inclusion Technique: Grouted Rammed
Location: New Haven, Connecticut ,U.S Aggregate Pier elements (GAPs)
Rigid Inclusion Technique: Geopier GeoConcrete
Geotechnical Challenges: Insufficient Soil
Columns
Geotechnical Challenges: Insufficient Soil Bearing Bearing Capacity, Settlement Control, Shallow
Capacity, Settlement Control, Unsuitable Soil Groundwater Table, Unsuitable Soil Conditions
Conditions
Refrences:
Sumitha, Syed Masoodhu (2016) , “Study on Effectiveness of Rigid
Inclusions in Black Cotton Soil”, International Research Journal of
Engineering and Technology, Volume: 03 Issue: 03, Page No. 1007 – 1011.
Umur Salih Okyay, Richard Manirakiza, Laurent Briancon (2012),
“Monitoring and numerical investigations of rigid inclusion reinforced
concrete water tanks” International Conference on New Developments in
Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Volume: 3, Page No. 739 –
44
Sanketha Subramaniyan1 , S.Syed Masoodhu (2017 ), “Experimental
Investigation of Rigid Inclusions and Stone Columns in Minimising the
Settlement of Windmills in Black Cotton Soil”, International Journal of
Engineering Science and Computing, Volume: 7, Issue No. 4, Page No.
10369 – 10371.
