This technique involves construction of concrete columns with a bottom-feed depth vibrator to transfer loads through weak strata to a firm underlying stratum.

Vibro concrete columns technique image

Common uses

As an alternative to piling techniques which generate spoil
Avoid piling into deep aquifers
Supporting road and rail embankments when other vibro or soil mixing techniques cannot
When a displacement process is required which generates low noise and vibration

Process

A bottom-feed, down-hole vibratory probe is lowered through the weak strata to the underlying firm stratum and granular bearing soils densified by the vibrator. Concrete is then pumped through the bottom-feed tremie tube. The vibrator is raised and lowered several times to form an expanded base or bulb and then raised to the surface as concrete fills the void created during extraction. The vibrator can re-penetrate the top of the column to construct an enlarged head, often required beneath warehouse floors and road/rail embankments. Once completed, the columns can be trimmed and reinforcement placed as required.

Vibro rigs can be fully instrumented with an on-board data acquisition system. Data from the system, such as amperage and lift rate, can then be recorded and displayed in real-time alongside specified target values on an in-cab monitor. This monitoring allows the operator to correct any deviations in real-time during the construction process to keep the vibro compaction within project specifications.

Specialist Contact | Derek Taylor - [email protected] - +44 (0)7769 654163

Advantages

Only a small quanitity of spoil is generated
A versatile technique that can be adjusted to a wide variety of soil conditions and foundation requirements
Offers an economical alternative to piling
Can be carried out to a depth of 15 metres
Relatively quick execution so subsequent structural works can follow very quickly
Extremely quiet with low vibration

Quality assurance

The vibro equipment we use is designed and manufactured by our in-house equipment manufacturer exclusively for use by Keller companies.

In-house quality production management software enables us to capture and analyse data in real time and valid the performance of the ground improvement being carried out.

A variety of production parameters are generally logged during execution including depth, current, pull down force, uplift/pull down sequence, time and date and element number.

Field trials can also be used to verify column production parameters, along with static load tests, single or group, column material compressive strength tests, and column diameter verification.