VIBRO STONE
COLUMNS
Vibro Stone Columns are a proven ground improvement method used to strengthen weak or unstable soils. The technique works by installing compacted columns of natural or recycled aggregates into the ground using a vibrating proker, creating a reinforced soil mass that improves bearing capacity and controls settlement. They provide a fast, economical alternative to extensive trench fill or piling solutions across a wide range of construction projects.
What Vibro Stone Columns Are Used For
Vibro Stone Columns are used to help strengthen the soil while reducing settlement and improving consolidation. By compacting and reinforcing the ground, they create a much more stable foundation for structures of all sizes and types, including:
They provide a quick and reliable way to improve ground conditions and prepare sites for construction.
How Vibro Stone Columns Are Installed
There are two main installation methods we use for Vibro Stone Columns: Top Feed and Bottom Feed. Both of these methods create strong and stable stone columns that reinforce the surrounding soil, but each is better suited to different ground conditions and site requirements.
TOP FEED METHOD
In the Top Feed Method, a vibrating steel poker is driven into the ground to the required design depth, displacing the soil to create a cavity. The poker is checked for verticality to ensure accurate installation. Aggregate is then poured in externally from working platform level, and the poker is reinserted to compact the material in layers. After each layer is added, the poker is reintroduced to drive the aggregate into the surrounding soils and form a dense, reinforced column. This process is repeated until the column is complete, terminating at working platform level.
This method of installation is suited to most soil conditions, where there is minimal risk in relation to very weak or collapsible soils, instability caused by increased pore water pressure (e.g. liquefaction) or other external factors.
BOTTOM FEED METHOD
The Bottom Feed Method is designed for weaker soils that are prone to collapse or rapid change, preventing open bores from forming the columns. A hollow poker delivers stone straight to the bottom of the hole, placing it carefully without disturbing the surrounding soil. The tip of the poker has a non-return gate that allows the aggregate to flow into the base while preventing back pressure during compaction.
As the poker is extracted, the aggregate is deposited incrementally and compacted, ensuring uniform shape, without intermixing with the surrounding soils. This method ensures a stable foundation even in tricky soil conditions and is ideal for larger commercial or infrastructure projects.
Why Use Vibro Stone Columns
- Fast installation
- Zero Spoil
- A sustainable choice using natural, locally sourced materials
- Suitable for a wide range of soil conditions
- In-house fleet of Vibro Stone Column rigs
- More efficient and cost-effective
- Can offer top or bottom feed without the need to mobilise additional plant
- Treatment depths up to 8m
Vibro Stone Columns With Roger Bullivant Limited
RBL's Vibro Stone Column rigs are designed and manufactured in-house with our clients in mind. Features include reduced load-bearing pressures and increased manoeuvrability.
Bringing together our in-house expertise and experience in piling, ground beams, and ground improvement allows us to value engineer the right approach for your project without being confined to just one method.
Sustainable Ground Improvement With Vibro Stone Columns
Vibro Stone Columns are a great sustainable choice for improving weak or marginal ground. They make use of natural, locally sourced aggregate, which reduces COâ‚‚ emissions by reducing sub-structure make-up, avoiding cement products and cutting down on associated transport.
Example Vibro Stone Columns Projects
Quality and safety
All installations are delivered to BS EN and ISO standards with CE-marked products. Roger Bullivant Limited holds a multi-year RoSPA Gold record and invests continuously in R&D, digital monitoring, and workforce training to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality.
Early contractor engagement
Engaging RBL early unlocks the full benefits of Driven Precast Concrete Piles. At concept or planning stage we can test alternatives, validate depths with targeted investigation and agree construction sequencing that streamlines follow-on works. The result is predictable cost, robust performance and a smoother path to site as well as efficient use of carbon emissions.
Vibro Stone Columns FAQs
Talk To Our Specialists
Roger Bullivant Limited provides Vibro Stone Columns nationwide through our network of regional offices. Our engineers can advise on feasibility, design and construction for projects of every scale.
Other Piling Methods From Roger Bullivant Limited
At Roger Bullivant Limited, we provide a full suite of piling and ground engineering techniques, including:
- Driven precast concrete piles
- Precast concrete piles, precast concrete ground beams and prefabricated foundations
- CFA piling, CHD Piling, CDA piling, CHAD piles, SFA piles and overburden drilling system piles
- Driven tubular steel piles
- Vibro Stone Columns and rigid inclusions
Holding multiple accreditations, we deliver to BS EN and ISO standards with CE-marked products. RBL has a multi-year RoSPA Gold record. Our in-house manufacturing, regional delivery model and integrated design capability provide dependable quality and supply resilience.
These alternatives allow us to design and deliver foundation systems tailored to every site, no matter the budget.
