Reimagining Ground Improvement: Introducing Groutforce™ Displacement Technology

In today’s construction landscape, efficiency and performance are no longer competing priorities, they’re expected to go hand in hand. As project sites become more constrained and timelines more aggressive, the need for innovative ground improvement solutions continues to grow.

That’s where Groutforce™, Chance’s new displacement soil system, enters the conversation.

A Smarter Approach to Soil Improvement

Traditional ground improvement methods often rely on removing and replacing unsuitable soils or introducing techniques that can be time-intensive and disruptive. Groutforce™ takes a different approach.

As a displacement-based system, it improves soil conditions by densifying and strengthening the existing ground rather than removing it. This process minimizes excavation, reduces spoils, and allows projects to move forward more efficiently, especially in sites where access, environmental impact, or schedule constraints are key concerns.

Performance Beneath the Surface

GroutForce™ works using basic helical pier technology. The central steel shaft is advanced by “screwing” it into the ground. As it advances, it displaces surrounding soil, increasing adjacent soil density. The result is a central steel shaft with a 10” grout column surrounding that central steel shaft. The result is a composite section with a capacity of up to 676 kips and improved soil conditions around the vertical element. The displacement installation technique results in improved soil density which improves load bearing capacity and reduced settlement potential.

In addition to improving ground conditions, the system is designed to deliver both axial and lateral load capacities, giving engineers greater flexibility in design. Groutforce™ has been tested to capacities up to 676 kip, demonstrating its ability to perform in demanding applications.

By increasing the effective diameter of the element and enhancing the frictional bond with surrounding soils, Groutforce™ can significantly reduce required shaft lengths, often by more than 50%. This not only streamlines installation but can also lead to meaningful cost and schedule savings.

For engineers and project stakeholders, this means:

• Enhanced ground stability without extensive excavation

• Verified high-capacity performance (up to 676 kip)

• Reduced shaft lengths through improved soil interaction

• Greater efficiency in challenging subsurface conditions

  
  

Designed for Modern Job Sites

One of the standout advantages of Groutforce™ is its adaptability. Whether supporting new construction, mitigating settlement risks, or improving subgrade conditions for infrastructure, the system is designed to perform in a variety of environments.

In urban settings or developed sites, where minimizing disruption is essential, displacement systems like Groutforce™ offer a clear advantage. Less excavation means fewer truck trips, reduced noise, and a smaller overall footprint.

The Atlas Perspective

At Atlas, we’re always evaluating emerging technologies that can deliver better outcomes for our clients. Innovations like Groutforce™ align with a broader shift in the industry - toward solutions that are not only effective, but also efficient and environmentally conscious.

By integrating advanced ground improvement methods into project planning, we’re able to help clients reduce risk, stay on schedule, and build with confidence from the ground up.

Looking Forward

As infrastructure challenges evolve, so must the solutions we rely on. Displacement-based technologies like Groutforce™ represent a meaningful step forward in how we approach soil improvement, combining performance, precision, and practicality.

The future of construction isn’t just about what we build, it’s about how we build it. And it starts below the surface.

Interested in whether Groutforce™ is the right solution for your next project? Connect with the Atlas team to learn more.