CeTeau B.V. products

Vibro Compaction is a technique that enables the rearrangement of soil particles into a denser configuration with vibration by the use of powerful downhole deep vibrating probes. Vibro Replacement (Stone Columns) uses the same principle as the Vibro Compaction (powerful vibroflots that generate vibration to rearrange soil particles), but in soils where VC is not possible due to higher fines content (higher than 10% and typically less than 40%). Hence, the densification is achieved by displacement of the soils radially by the vibrator, refilling the resulting space with granular material which results in the construction of stone columns at the treatment locations.

Dynamic Compaction (DC) involves the repeated dropping of a 10 to 30-Ton tamper multiple times from heights of 15m to 30m, transforming potential energy into a densification effect to the soil particles.

HIRC is a “dynamic” compaction technique consisting of a triangular, rectangular or hexagonal ”wheel” (typically between 8 and12 Tons) mounted on a trailer that is pulled by a tractor with a constant speed, making several passes over the soil. The effect of the speed combined with the “tampering” of the irregular “wheel” creates a waving effect that densifies the soil particles.

Vacuum Consolidation is a soft soil ground improvement method that is typically combined with Prefabricated Vertical Drains and Horizontal Drains (PVD+VCM) and basically is a solution to replace the use of a surcharge. Further to the installation of the PVD, it consists of the application of a suction force with vacuum to an isolated mass of soil in order to reduce the atmospheric pressure and excess water pore pressure present in the soil, resulting in a consolidation of the soil, an increase in the effective stresses without modifying the total state stresses.

Vertical Drains are the most economical ground improvement solution for soft soils with a high clay/silt content. CeTeau manufactures and installs Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD) to accelerate the settlement of soft soils. In combination with surcharge or vacuum pressure, the time required to reach the settlement is reduced from years to only months.