2. Rigid inclusions

2.1 Technique presentation

The aim of this technique is to reinforce the soil when its load-bearing capacity is insufficient or too compressible to support the structure without unacceptable settlement under operating conditions.

The vertical rigid inclusion technique transfers the load brought to the surface by the structure to a more resistant, less compressible soil layer. The principle consists in combining at least :

• a regular network of vertical rigid inclusions anchored beneath the compressible levels, extending over the entire loaded right-of-way;

• a layer of material capping the heads of these inclusions, usually granular, known as the distribution mat.

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