Rigid Inclusions delivered a cheaper, lower carbon and programme-saving alternative to driven piling for a retail unit.
![On site at Mablethorpe](/sites/keller-uk/files/styles/project_main_image/public/2022-12/foundations-bm-mablethorpe-rigid-inclusions-retail.jpg?h=da660a20&itok=w7_f_tRj)
The project
The construction of a retail unit on the edge of Mablethorpe.
The challenge
The main challenge was to provide a solution through the very low strength strata of the Tidal Flat Deposits which extended to depths of circa 14m.
The solution
RIs were installed to achieve a bearing capacity of 125kN/m2 for the foundations and 15kN/m2 for the floor slabs. A fully displacement cast in-situ installation method was employed to minimise waste and maximise column capacities. The column design was locally adapted to accommodate the need to build over a new drain run. During the course of the installation works, Keller trimmed the slab columns so that these areas were made ready for the construction of a ground bearing slab. For the foundations, the columns were easy to excavate which allowed the follow-on groundworks to progress quickly. The overall solution offered our client significant cost and time savings over a precast piling option.