Dynamic Replacement is an economical method for improving the overall stiffness of clay, silt and organic soils. Dynamic Replacement uses granular backfill to form large-diameter granular columns with high shear strength and increased bearing ability through soft soils, fills or waste materials.  These columns remain stable under low confining pressures.

Dynamic replacement | MENARD

Key Elements

WHAT IS IT?

Large diameter columns formed by driving granular material into the soft ground  by dropping a 15- to 30-ton weight from 30 to 120 feet.  The material used to fill the columns can be pushed from the working platform or directly from a loader into the crater.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

By creating a composite material consisting of the dynamic replacement column and the surrounding ground, the strength and geotechnical properties of the soil mass are improved.

WHY IS IT USED?

Increases bearing capacity, reduces long-term settlement and consolidation time of compressible soft fine-grained soils.

CMC techniques for soil

Dynamic Replacement columns are driven into the soil with a 15-to-30-ton pounder dropped from a height of 30 to 120 feet. The column is filled and compacted in alternating phases until it is completed.

Advantages of Dynamic Replacement

  • Uses a similar methodology as Dynamic Compaction allowing the techniques to be easily combined at sites with variable ground conditions
  • Economical, particularly for large-footprint sites
  • Eliminates removal and replacement or traditional foundations such as piling
  • Very low carbon footprint as compared to other forms of ground improvement or traditional foundations
  • Does not generate spoil

Featured Dynamic Replacement Projects