Russell Recreation Complex – Phases 1 & 2, Ontario

Ground Conditions

Menard Canada Solution

To mitigate the low bearing capacity and the high expected settlement, Menard collaborated with the design consultants to design and implement a ground improvement solution in two phases:

• Phase 1: Wick Drains and Preload Program to mitigate the expected settlement. This phase eliminated the need for a structural slab throughout the complex.
• Phase 2: Controlled Modulus Columns (CMCs) to increase the in-situ bearing capacity of the soils to allow for shallow foundations.

Menard designed the Wick Drains and Preload and implemented the Wick Drain installation. A. L. Blair, the Earthworks contractor, installed the grade raise and preload. The Wick Drain system was designed to accelerate the primary consolidation within 4-month period (over the winter months).

CMCs were installed with a hollow full-lateral-displacement auger. During the auger extraction process, the column was developed by grouting under controlled limited pressure through the stem of the auger. CMCs were installed to increase bearing capacity up to 200 kPa SLS/300 kPa ULS below footings and a maximum total and differential post construction settlement of 25 mm and 19mm, respectively.