Geosynthetic encased sand columns cross section
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HUESKER Ltd.
Space2work Warrington
Winwick Quay
WA2 8LT Warrington
United Kingdom

Geotextile Encased Columns

Ringtrac Foundation System
Ground improvement for extremely soft soils

Extremely weak subsoil poses severe geotechnical challenges for embankment construction. Purpose-developed to meet these demands, the Ringtrac foundation system plays a key role in the success of ground improvement measures. The centrepiece of the system is a regular arrangement of columns comprising non-cohesive material placed inside a geosynthetic casing. This is supplemented by horizontal reinforcement in the form of a Stabilenka woven geotextile. Geotextile-encased columns (GEC) are a development of the conventional vibro stone columns. The structural action of the geosynthetic casing transforms the mineral mix filling into a loadbearing element. The fact that locally sourced mineral mixes can be used as fill brings additional savings on time and cost.

The Ringtrac foundation system, comprising geotextile-encased columns and horizontal reinforcement, not only delivers a sustainable soil reinforcement and ground improvement solution, it also enables you to cut construction times through shorter consolidation periods. The full-surface drainage capability of the woven geotextile and fill material ensures that 90% of settlement already occurs during the construction phase (50–75% less creep settlement than for unimproved ground).

Benefits

  • Rapid consolidation speeds up construction

  • Tall embankment structures completed within a short time without risk of bearing failure

  • Cost-efficient thanks to use of locally sourced mineral mixes (sands etc.)

  • Extra-safe due to high ductility

  • Due account taken of local conditions and loads

  • Also for use in soils with Cu < 0.5 kN/m² and in earthquake regions

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