What Are Rigid Inclusions?
Table of Contents
- About Rigid Inclusions
- Common Uses and Applications of Rigid Inclusions
- How Are Rigid Inclusions Installed?
- Advantages of Rigid Inclusions
Last updated
17 February 2025
About Rigid Inclusions
Rigid inclusions (RI) are a ground improvement method whereby modulus columns are installed through compressible soils to increase the bearing capacity of the ground and control settlements in conjunction with a load transfer platform.
The efficiency of the method depends on several factors, but the method is often used as an alternative to piling for a wide range of structures, including warehouses and distribution sheds, due to its rapid installation and reduced material costs.
Common Uses and Applications of Rigid Inclusions
Rigid inclusions are employed across various sectors. Some of their most common uses and applications are:
- Warehouses
- Distribution sheds
- Road and rail embankments
- Commercial and industrial buildings
- Residential projects
- Wind farms
How Are Rigid Inclusions Installed?
The rig bores down to the design depth, pushing the ground laterally with minimal spoil generated. The auger is then removed, with concrete pumped through the stem as it goes to support the bore. Zone tests are undertaken on the ground to verify performance.
Rigid inclusions are typically installed using a displacement auger. The installation process of rigid inclusions includes the following steps:
- Site Preparation – Before installation, the site is prepared. This involves clearing any debris, setting up access for machinery, and marking out the locations where the inclusions will be installed based on the engineering design.
- Setting Up the Rig – The rig is brought to the site along with necessary machinery such as displacement augers, grout pumps, and monitoring equipment.
- Boring the Ground – The auger drills down to the predetermined design depth. Unlike typical drilling, the displacement auger pushes the soil laterally, creating space for the inclusion without generating much spoil.
- Inserting the Concrete – Once the desired depth is reached, the auger can be withdrawn. As the auger is removed, concrete is pumped through the stem as it goes to support the bore.
- Zone Testing – After the concrete has been set, zone testing is undertaken on the ground to verify performance.
Advantages of Rigid Inclusions
The main advantages of rigid inclusions are [1]:
- Ideal for many needs across different sectors, making them a versatile solution
- Can be used in weak soils to improve the bearing capacity for a wide range of loads
- Effectively reduces settlement, ensuring long-term structural stability
- Can be faster and cheaper than piling alternatives due to lower-strength concrete and the absence of reinforcement
- Carbon reduction vs traditional piled solutions can be achieved using high replacement lower strength concretes
Written by Aarsleff UK
17 February 2025
Aarsleff Ground Engineering is a leading sheet piling supplier and contractor. We specialise in designing and delivering sheet piling solutions across the UK.
Reviewed by Mark Fuller, Piling Director
17 February 2025
Mark Fuller is the Piling Director at Aarsleff Ground Engineering. He has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge within the specialist piling and ground engineering industry throughout his 20 years of experience in the industry. Mark is directly responsible for the overall driven piling within the business, including technical and operational management of awarded contracts, development of strategic long-term plans and planning of recruitment and resource.
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