Menard Adding Value to Infra Projects with Ground Improvement Technology

How do you perceive the market for Ground Improvement Technology in India, including the emerging trends and the challenges?

With 3.4% GDP Capex for Infrastructure, the market for Ground Improvement Technology in India presents significant opportunities due to ongoing infrastructure development and technological advance- ments. But it also faces challenges related to expertise, and regulatory processes. Addressing these challenges through education, innovation, and streamlined processes will be key to leveraging the full potential of ground improvement technologies in India. Here's a detailed perspective on the emerging trends and challenges in the Indian market:

Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: With India's continued urbanization and infrastructure projects such as smart cities, highways, and metro systems, there's a rising demand for ground improvement solutions to support large-scale constructions on varied soil types.

Technological Advancements: Advances in ground improvement technologies, such as Vibrocompaction, CMC (Controlled Modulus Columns), DSM (Deep Soil Mixing) and advanced compaction methods like Dynamic Compaction and Rapid Impact Compaction, are gaining traction with innovations becoming more common in the privately owned structures.

Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles: Navigating regulatory requirements and obtaining necessary approvals can be time-consuming and cumbersome, potentially delaying project timelines and increasing costs.

Awareness and Acceptance: There may be a lack of awareness or resistance to adopting newer technologies due to traditional practices or skepticism about their effectiveness, mostly from the academic community and government bodies. This can slow down the market penetration of advanced ground improvement methods.

Lack of Skilled Workforce: There is a shortage of trained professionals and experts in advanced ground improvement techniques. This skills gap can affect the quality and efficiency of their implementation, which can be addressed through specialist training.

Soil Variability: India's diverse soil conditions present a challenge. Techniques need to be tailored to specific soil types and conditions, requiring customized solutions and in-depth local expertise.

What is the significance of ground improvement in construction and what are the various methods employed to enhance soil quality?

Ground improvement is crucial in construction as it ensures the stability, strength, and durability of structures by enhancing the properties of the soil on which they are built. Ground Improvement gives enhanced Load-Bearing Capacity, Restricts Settlements, Improves Drainage, Mitigates Liquefaction and is cost-effective compared to traditional methods such as Piling.

Ground improvement techniques are essential for adapting to various soil conditions and ensuring the safety and stability of construction projects. By choosing the appropriate method based on soil characteristics and project requirements, engineers can significantly enhance soil quality and mitigate potential risks associated with construction. Ground Improvement techniques can be divided into 3 types:

1. Inclusion Techniques:
   • Controlled Modulus Columns
   • Stone Columns
   • Bi-Modulus Columns
   • Soil Mixing
   • Dynamic Replacement
   • Jet Grouting

1. Compaction Techniques:
   • Dynamic Compaction
   • Dynamic Replacement
   • Rapid Impact Compaction
   • Vibrocompaction

1. Consolidation:
   • Pre-Fabricated Vertical Drains (PVD)
   • Menard Vaccum

It is believed that the benefits of ground improvement are not fully understood in the construction industry; so what could be the consequences if geotechnical investigations and ground improvement are not carried out before the design or construction phase, particularly in hilly or coastal regions?

Neglecting geotechnical investigations and ground improvement before the design or construction phase, particularly in hilly or coastal regions, can have significant and potentially disastrous consequences:

Structural Instability: Without proper ground improvement, the soil may not be able to support the loads imposed by the structure. This can lead to uneven settlement, foundation failures, or even catastrophic structural collapse. In hilly regions, this risk is exacerbated by the potential for landslides and slope failures, which can undermine foundations and destabilize structures.

Increased Costs: Failing to conduct geotechnical investigations early on can result in unexpected ground conditions being discovered during construction. This often leads to costly design changes, delays, and even the need for remedial ground improvement measures that could have been more efficiently and cheaply implemented earlier in the project.

Environmental Impact: In coastal areas, the lack of proper ground improvement can lead to issues such as erosion, saltwater intrusion, and loss of coastal land. Poorly understood ground conditions may also result in inadequate drainage and water management, leading to flooding and other environmental degradation. Safety Hazards: Unstable ground conditions pose significant safety risks not only to the construction workers but also to the end-users of the facility. For instance, in seismic zones, insufficient ground improvement can exacerbate the effects of an earthquake, leading to liquefaction and severe damage to structures.

Regulatory and Legal Consequences: Eliminating these crucial steps can lead to non-compliance with local building codes and regulations. This may result in legal disputes, fines, or even the demolition of non-compliant structures, all of which can severely impact the project’s financial viability and reputation.

How is ground improvement distinct from piling, and what are the ecological advantages of soil improvement over piling?

Ground improvement and piling are both techniques used to enhance the bearing capacity of soil and ensure the stability of structures. Ground improvement and piling serve different purposes in construction, with ground improvement modifying existing soil conditions and piling providing deep foundation support. They differ significantly in their approaches, applications, and environmental impacts.

Distinctions Between Ground Improvement and Piling

Methodology: Ground improvement involves modifying the existing soil properties to increase its strength, stability, and load-bearing capacity. Techniques such as Vibrocompaction, Dynamic Compaction, CMC and Stone Columns are commonly used. The goal is to enhance the natural soil to meet the requirements of the construction project.

Piling involves driving or drilling long, slender columns (piles) made of concrete, steel, or timber into the ground to transfer loads from the structure above to deeper, more stable soil or rock layers. Piles bypass weaker soils and reach strata capable of supporting the load.

Applications: The Ground Improvement method is typically used in situations where improving the in-situ soil is sufficient to support the structure. It is often applied in areas with loose or soft soils, such as sandy or silty regions, or where shallow foundations are desired.

Piling is preferred in areas where the surface soil is too weak to support the structure, even after ground improvement, or where deep foundations are necessary due to heavy loads or significant variations in soil layers.

Cost and Time: Ground Improvement is generally more cost-effective and quicker to implement than piling, especially for large areas or where the soil improvement can be achieved near the surface.

Piling is typically more expensive and time-consuming due to the materials, equipment, and labor involved in driving or drilling piles to considerable depths.

Ecological Advantages of Soil Improvement Over Piling

Reduced Material Use: Ground improvement often involves treating the existing soil, which reduces the need for importing large quantities of materials like concrete and steel used in piling. This results in a lower carbon footprint and less resource consumption.

Minimized Disruption to Environment: Ground improvement methods, such as Vibrocompaction or dynamic compaction, work with the existing soil, minimizing the disturbance to the surrounding environment. In contrast, piling can disrupt ecosystems, particularly if it involves driving piles through aquifers or sensitive habitats.

Lower Energy Consumption: Ground improvement techniques generally require less energy compared to the heavy machinery and processes involved in driving piles deep into the ground. This makes ground improvement a more energy-efficient option.

Reduction in Waste Generation: Since ground improvement focuses on enhancing the existing soil rather than replacing or bypassing it, there is less waste generation. Piling, especially when it involves bored piles, produces significant amounts of excavated soil that need to be disposed of.

Enhanced Sustainability: Ground improvement methods can often be tailored to enhance the natural properties of the soil, promoting sustainability. Techniques like bio-remediation or the use of natural additives (e.g., lime or enzymes) can further reduce environmental impacts compared to the more invasive piling methods.

Ground improvement offers notable ecological benefits, including reduced material use, minimal environmental disruption, lower energy consumption, and waste reduction, making it a more sustainable option in many scenarios. While piling is necessary in certain conditions, ground improvement should always be the first option considered for every project.

What environmentally friendly practices and technologies does Menard offer for ground improvement to add value to a project and how is waste handled on construction sites?

Ground Improvement adds value to a project and contributes to sustainability through enhanced foundation performance, reducing risk of structural issues caused due to settlement, cost efficacy and a reduced environmental impact.

Globally and locally, Menard is totally focused on sustainable plant, equipment and techniques with solar battery-operated equipment and reduced idling practices. We are also focussed on low carbon concrete, reduced water usage, segregated and recycled waste management, local manufacturing to reduce import and export, and minimizing wastage by re-using materials, consumables, and tools. We encourage our supply chain partners to align with our environmental goal of sustainable developments, operations, and growth.

Menard’s 4-point program to handle waste disposal on project sites

• Minimizing waste generation through precise planning and efficient use of materials
• Wherever possible, recycling and reusing materials on-site. For instance, excavated soil can be reused for backfilling or as part of soil improvement processes. This reduces the need for off-site disposal and the associated environmental impact.
• Any waste that cannot be reused or recycled is disposed of in compliance with local regulations and environmental standards. Menard ensures that hazardous materials, such as contaminated soils or chemical waste, are handled with care and disposed of at certified facilities to prevent environmental contamination.
• Menard employs rigorous environmental monitoring to ensure that waste management practices do not adversely affect the surrounding environment. This includes tracking waste generation, transportation, and disposal to ensure compliance with global environmental standards.

Please elaborate on the high-tech solutions that are enhancing Menard's performance, even in challenging strata conditions?

Menard specializes in a wide range of ground improvement techniques that cater to various soil conditions and project requirements. These methods are designed to enhance the load-bearing capacity, stability, and overall performance of the ground, making it suitable for construction. Some of the key ground improvement techniques include: Inclusion Techniques, Compaction Techniques and Consolidation.

Companies ConeTech and Remea are enhancing Menard’s technological capabilities worldwide. ConeTec is a leader in geotechnical site investigation, providing high-resolution data on subsurface conditions. ConeTec’s technology includes Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), and other in-situ testing methods, which are critical for understanding soil behavior and designing effective ground improvement strategies. The detailed data provided by ConeTec allows Menard to accurately assess ground conditions, predict soil responses to various treatments, and tailor solutions to meet specific project needs, even in complex geological environments.

Remea, a subsidiary of Menard, specializes in soil and groundwater remediation, particularly in challenging and contaminated sites. Remea employs innovative techniques such as in-situ chemical oxidation, bioremediation, and thermal desorption to treat and stabilize contaminated soils. These technologies not only enhance the environmental performance of ground improvement projects but also allow Menard to work effectively in brownfield sites and other environmentally sensitive areas.

We foresee introducing both these companies in India very soon given the extreme and dramatically growing landfill and soil contamination situation in India.

How does Menard ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations? What quality control measures are in place during construction?

Since its inception in 1960 and now as a part of Vinci Group, Menard has always maintained the highest International Quality & Safety standards. Menard is ISO 9001:2015-QMS, ISO 14001:2015-EMS & ISO 45001:2018-OHSMS certified.

Menard has a comprehensive quality policy that aims to achieve the highest standards of performance and delivery of top-level service to its clients. To achieve this, we have developed strong management systems for safety, financial, quality, environmental, and human resources. Our Quality Management System encapsulates these aims and our continuous analysis of the feedback generated from our business cycle through the operation of this system, and the actions taken to ensure that our own high standards are met, enables our clients to be confident that we will achieve the service they require.

Ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations is a critical aspect of Menard’s operations. While we respect and follow the IS codes wherever applicable, we also make sure to comply with international codes, ex-Euro codes, ASTM, etc to provide the best quality solution at the most optimized rates.

The Indian infrastructure development sector has the potential to incorporate new technologies and global engineering expertise; however, the reluctance of contractors with outdated thinking and the presence of an unskilled workforce hinders the adoption of new technologies. Can this issue be addressed through collaborative efforts between project owners and contractors?

Addressing the reluctance of contractors to adopt new technologies in the Indian infrastructure development sector requires a strategic and collaborative approach. By fostering partnerships, investing in education, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of modern techniques, we can overcome these challenges. Here’s how:

Promoting Education and Training:

• Skill Development Programs: Implement targeted skill development programs that focus on training the unskilled workforce in the latest construction technologies. This can be done through partnerships between industry bodies, educational institutions, and government initiatives. By equipping workers with new skills, contractors will have a more capable workforce ready to embrace advanced techniques.
• Workshops and Seminars: Organize regular workshops, seminars, and on-site demonstrations that showcase the benefits of new technologies. These events should be aimed at both contractors and their workforce, providing hands-on experience with the tools and methods that can improve project outcomes.

Demonstrating the Value of New Technologies

• Pilot Projects: Collaborate with forward-thinking contractors and project owners to implement pilot projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of new technologies. By showcasing successful examples of innovation leading to cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced quality, reluctant contractors can see the tangible benefits of modernization.
• Case Studies and ROI Analysis: Develop and share case studies that highlight the return on investment (ROI) of adopting new technologies. Presenting data on how these innovations lead to faster project completion, reduced costs, and better sustainability can help change the mindset of traditional contractors.

Encouraging Collaborative Efforts Between Owners and Contractors

• Incentivizing Innovation: Project owners can play a crucial role by incentivizing contractors to adopt new technologies. This can include offering financial rewards, bonuses, or preferential selection for future projects to contractors who successfully integrate modern techniques into their work.
• Joint Ventures and Alliances: Encourage the formation of joint ventures between international firms with advanced technology expertise and local contractors. Such alliances can facilitate knowledge transfer, reduce the perceived risks associated with adopting new methods, and enhance the overall capabilities of local contractors.

Leveraging Government and Industry Support

• Government Policies and Incentives: Advocate for government policies that support the adoption of new technologies, such as tax incentives, subsidies, or grants for contractors willing to invest in modernization. The government can also play a role in setting standards and regulations that encourage or mandate the use of advanced techniques in public infrastructure projects.
• Industry Associations: Collaborate with industry associations to create platforms where contractors can share experiences, learn from each other, and gain access to the latest technologies. These associations can also lobby for industry-wide adoption of best practices and new methodologies.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

• Knowledge Exchange Programs: Establish knowledge exchange programs where contractors can learn from global engineering experts and experienced professionals. This can include international training, exchange visits, or partnerships with global engineering firms that have successfully implemented modern technologies in other markets.
• Digital Learning Platforms: Develop online learning platforms that provide easy access to training materials, tutorials, and resources on new technologies. These platforms can be tailored to the Indian market and made accessible to contractors and workers across the country.

How can the industry address the issue of skill development and training to facilitate adoption of advanced technology? What changes or developments are necessary in the education system, particularly in the civil engineering stream (geotechnical, ground improvement, and foundation) to provide practical knowledge to students?

By updating the education system to focus on practical, hands-on experience, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and encouraging continuous professional development, the industry can equip its workforce with the skills necessary to embrace modern technologies. Government support and policy reforms will also play a crucial role in facilitating these changes, ensuring that the Indian infrastructure sector is prepared to meet the demands of the future. The solution can be explained in the following -

Collaborative Training Programs

• Industry-Academia Partnerships: Estab- lish partnerships between construction companies, industry bodies, and educational institutions to create training programs that are directly aligned with industry needs. These programs should focus on hands-on experience with the latest technologies, such as soil stabilization techniques, geotechnical instrumentation, and advanced foundation systems.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT): Encourage companies to implement structured on-the-job training programs where students and young professionals can work alongside experienced engineers on live projects. This practical exposure is invaluable for understanding the application of advanced technologies in real-world scenarios.

Certification and Accreditation

• Specialized Certification Programs: Develop and offer certification programs that recognize expertise in specific areas of geotechnical engineering and ground improvement. These certifications can be achieved through completing industry-recognized courses, which would enhance the employability of graduates and professionals.

Curriculum Overhaul

• Incorporating Modern Technolo- gies: Update civil engineering curricula to include the latest technologies and practices in geotechnical engineering, ground improvement, and foundation design. This should cover topics like digital modeling, soil mechanics, and the use of advanced materials and techniques.
• Practical Focus: Shift the focus of education from theoretical knowledge to practical application. This can be achieved by integrating more lab work, field studies, and project-based learning into the curriculum. Students should be exposed to real-life problems and encouraged to develop solutions using modern technologies.

Research and Development Integration

• Industry-Sponsored Research: Promote collaboration between industry and academia in research and development. Companies can sponsor research projects that focus on solving specific industry challenges using advanced technologies. This not only helps in advancing the field but also provides students with practical experience.
  
  
• Innovation Labs: Establish innovation labs within educational institutions where students can work on cutting-edge projects in collaboration with industry partners. These labs can focus on areas like smart construction materials, automated surveying techniques, and sustainable engineering practices.

Currently, geotechnical investigation and soil improvement receive minimal attention in tenders, particularly in government projects. How is the geotechnical and foundation industry addressing the urgent need for the development of standardized tender practices to promote adoption of new technologies during the pre-bid phase?

This is a significant challenge that the industry is currently grappling with. However, I see immense potential and a gradual shift towards ground improvement. While progress is slow, more tenders are beginning to require at least one CPT test per project and are becoming open to at least some ground improvement methods like Stone Columns and PVD. Although it may take India some time to become a mature market for advanced geotechnical techniques, I believe it is steadily advancing and gradually catching up with Western markets.

Esteemed platforms like DFI and IGS are also playing a crucial role in showcasing global technological advancements and helping bridge the gap between industry, academia, and the government.

To expedite implementation of large infrastructure projects across the country, government support is needed in terms of expediting codal provisions for new techniques, providing support for trials, and relaxing import duties to encourage introduction of new technologies into the country. What initiatives is the industry taking to seek government support?

This requires not just a collaborative industry effort but also a tidal shift in the mindset of the government and academia to accept global practices. I have worked on technologies like CFA in 1988 in the UK, but it is still not accepted in India even 36 years later. The industry will continue to send representatives to the codal committee to accept and incorporate newer techniques, but this is a change that will have to be driven by the approving consultants through to the government.