An Industry First for Stabilizing Poor Soils

Menard Vacuum™ is a type of atmospheric consolidation system that is used to speed up the consolidation of highly compressible soil types. The system process consists of creating a negative pressure under a completely airtight membrane laid over a soil area. This generates atmospheric pressure on the soil, equivalent to the pressure exerted by a 3-4m embankment. 

  • Accelerates the consolidation of soils 
  • Rapid installation: shorter project timelines 
  • Significantly reduces soil handling by eliminating pre-load 
  • Compressible soils 
  • Clay soils 
  • Fill soils 
  • Tailings and dredged materials 
  • Treat soils up to 40m deep

The process consists of installing both a vertical and horizontal draining system combined with a vacuum-type of pumping system underneath an airtight membrane. The area is then sealed, completely concealing the membrane into a network of peripheral trenches. By installing vertical and horizontal drains directly connected to a pumping system and an airtight membrane, soil mass is pressured under the vacuum, and water is expelled.

How it Works

The Menard Vacuum™ innovative technique substantially reduces consolidation time thanks to early pre-loading as soon as the system is in place and without risk of any ground failure. In addition, the isotropic nature of the Menard Vacuum™ load and the increase in cohesion created by the vacuum between the horizontal drains and the membrane results in a powerful stabilizing effect on the soils.

Our Promise of Quality Assurance

Menard Canada’s ground improvement proposals will always have straightforward pricing, so you will never have to worry about any unexpected project extras. The cost that we quote you on is your project’s cost; it’s that simple. Furthermore, we will always work to meet and exceed all your project expectations by performing tasks using the most thorough quality control measures possible to ensure a positive project outcome for your project; this is our promise to you. 

We invite you to review our testimonials below and see what makes Menard Canada different.