Vacuum Consolidation

Ballina Bypass, New South Wales

The Menard Vacuum™ Consolidation method is a proprietary system used for preloading and consolidating soft and very soft saturated impervious soils.

Vacuum Consolidation was conceived and developed by Menard. It involves the application of a partial vacuum to a soil mass of soft to very soft saturated, impervious, cohesive material by delivering a homogeneous and isotropic partial vacuum pressure throughout the soil mass. This effect is doubly beneficial because it simulates but improves on the concept of surcharge loading, whilst diminishing the stability risk normally associated with that method of consolidation.

This vacuum method offers a highly efficient method of ground improvement for the rapid consolidation of soft saturated cohesive soils that are essentially impervious.

Vacuum Consolidation can be used in isolation or in conjunction with some surcharge loading. The vacuum method is enhanced, when used in conjunction with surcharge loads, due to the cumulative effect of the two sources of loading. The application of surcharge loading is facilitated by the increased stability generated within the soil by the partial vacuum.

Port of Brisbane, Queensland

Advantages:

• Significant time savings over other consolidation methods
• Loading and construction can proceed as early as two weeks after process has started
• Isotropic consolidation eliminates the risk of failure under additional loading of the permanent construction
• No risk of slope instability beyond boundaries
• Controlled rate and magnitude of loading and settlement

Ballina Bypass, New South Wales