An Environmentally Sound Approach to Ground Improvement

Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) or Soil Mixing (SM) is a very flexible ground improvement technique used for a wide variety of applications that reinforces extremely soft, very high moisture soils by mechanically mixing them together with a specially designed auger completely in-situ with a cement-like binding agent.  

  • Vibration-free and non-disruptive 
  • Environmentally unobtrusive 
  • Suitable for seismic areas 
  • Increases bearing capacity and shear resistance

 

  • Soft soils 
  • Non-cohesive soils 
  • High-Moisture soils 

  • Treat soils up to 30m deep 
  • Bearing pressure of up to 400 kPa SLS 
  • Single or Multiple Augers Utilized 

Soil mixing may be performed using augers or paddles to form soil mix columns. Depending on the application, columns can be installed individually or to form continuous rows, panels, grids, or block/mass treatment. Augers/Paddles are lowered into the soil, which effectively pulls apart the soil's fundamental structure. Then, the selected binder agent is gradually introduced under low pressure through an injection rod located at the very end of the drilling rod and vigorously mixed together with the soil by the mixing blades. After reaching the designed depth, the auger is lifted and lowered to ensure thorough mixing of the soil with the binder and to form a homogeneous column or another type of strengthened soil structure. The binder amount and mixing parameters are adjusted accordingly as the exact soil strength and specifications are achieved or exceeded. 

How it Works

DSM is the process of mixing cement or other binders with in-situ soils by means of augers or another type of specially designed tooling. This mixing process breaks up and “opens up” the existing soils in place to mix in with the binding agent. Gradually and under low pressures, both become naturally bound together to ultimately form either a high-strength column or block of incredibly strong reinforced soil. Several other configurations, such as stand-alone components, grids, wall cells and blocks. This is a preferred method for particularly environmentally sensitive projects since soils stay largely in place during this entire process, making this approach not only environmentally positive but also an excellent economic approach to dramatically improving the site’s soils. 


Our Promise of Quality Assurance

All of our ground improvement proposals always have straightforward pricing, so you will never have to worry about any unexpected project extras. The cost that we quote you 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.

“It was a pleasure to work with the Menard Canada team. Our high-rise development was challenged by unsuitable fill, high groundwater conditions, and adjacent historic structures. The installation of Menard’s ground improvement solution was executed within the allotted budget, schedule, and without any impact to the adjacent structures.”

Nicholas Schady, Superintendent, SKYGRiD Construction Inc.

“We have worked with Menard to provide a Design- Build proposal for many projects that shared the trait of having poor soil conditions. Menard provided professional assistance and managed the soil improvements without issue. The cost savings, time savings, and ease of construction were all realized. We would strongly recommend them for all our future projects.”

Raymond Van Groll, M.Sc. (Eng)| P.Eng. | Managing Partner, ATKINS + VAN GROLL

“Their expertise offered us complete solutions, including engineering and construction. From a simple geotechnical study, they can validate possible and alternative methods in a very short time. Being very available and creative, they have become a reference for our projects that require a more advanced geotechnical expertise.”

Karine Bourque, General Manager, Ronam Constructions Inc.

“Menard was well prepared for the job, showed up with all of the equipment that was needed and started right away. There were some challenges, and extra equipment was required, but Menard got it to the site quickly. The Menard team was good at reporting progress and challenges.”

Richard Gagné, P.Eng., Project Manager, Pembina Pipeline Corporation

“Generally quite impressed with the work Menard did. The process itself is simple and effective. The project setup, coordination and installation were straightforward. The field staff were easy to work with and were accommodating with other enabling site works.”

Radu Grumeza, P.Eng | LEED Green Associate | Assistant Construction Manager, CANA Group of Companies

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Menard. From the first day you arrived, we noticed the professionalism and preparation that was put in to execute this job well. You’ve allowed us to get one month ahead of schedule by starting two weeks early and finishing two weeks early.”

Zain Jessani, P.Eng. | Project Engineer, Aecon Construction and Materials Limited (ACML)

“Menard did an excellent job installing the stone columns for us in extremely challenging ground conditions; it was much appreciated!”

Richard Gagné, P.Eng., Project Manager, Pembina Pipeline Corporation

“The Controlled Modulus Column method avoided the impacts of deep shoring and dewatering while limiting the volume of excess soil generated on our site. All of this combined to simplify our foundation construction and get our project out of the ground.”

Nicholas Schady, Superintendent, SKYGRiD Construction Inc.

“Menard turned up on site as expected and worked without interruption to complete their scope. We are very pleased with Menard’s performance, and they will be our first contact for future projects requiring soil improvement.”

John Gregory, P.Eng | Construction Manager, Ark Construction LTD.

“As a general contractor, we often have to find efficient and economical solutions when soil quality is an issue in a project. On many occasions, Menard’s soil improvement solutions have significantly reduced the cost of a project. Whether it is through dynamic compaction or Vibro replacement, we have often been able to avoid pile foundations, thus reducing the budget and the schedule. In addition, Menard’s soil improvement solutions allow our clients greater flexibility in the future modifications they wish to make to their building.”

Karine Bourque, General Manager, Ronam Constructions Inc.

“The Menard team went out of their way to make the process both pleasant and efficient and wouldn’t have any reservations about using Menard in the future.”

Nicholas Schady, Superintendent, SKYGRiD Construction Inc.

“We contracted Menard Canada for the ground improvement works under two residential buildings and an amenity building in Chatham, Ontario. Their team worked with the Structural and Geotechnical Consultants during the design phase to find a solution to the local ground conditions – which proved to be very beneficial for the development of this site and the project as a whole. They then carried out the designed ground improvements on site; our team appreciated Menard Canada’s professionalism and proactivity. After the completion of the work, the Menard Canada team was available for questions and always provided feedback right away. Menard Canada would definitely be our first choice for any ground improvement on our next projects.”

William Layng, Jr. Project Manager, RHC