Skip links
Control Modulus Column (CMC) Test — Global Lab India
NABL Accredited · Foundation Testing Service

Control Modulus Column
(Rigid Inclusion Load Test)

Static load test on Control Modulus Columns — rigid concrete inclusions for ground improvement — verifying stiffness and load-settlement performance under design loads.

IS 15284
Standard
±5%
Accuracy
7 Days
Report TAT
NABL
Accredited
NABL Accredited Lab · ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Digital Reports via Autovity QLMS
Pan-India · 7 Lab Locations
Est. 2009 · 20,000+ Projects

What is the Control Modulus Column (CMC) Test?

Control Modulus Columns (CMC) are stiff concrete inclusions installed by displacement auger into soft ground. Unlike stone columns, CMCs transfer load primarily through tip resistance and skin friction to a competent stratum. Load tests verify that installed CMCs achieve specified stiffness and settlement performance.

Conducted as per IS 15284, CMC load tests verify that columns achieve specified stiffness (load/settlement ratio) and maximum settlement at design load. Global Lab conducts CMC load tests using calibrated kentledge systems with precision LVDT settlement measurement.

CMC Stiffness Verification
Load/settlement ratio confirmed against design stiffness requirement.
Settlement Verification
Actual settlement measured against maximum allowable per design.
Tip Resistance Assessment
Load transfer to competent stratum verified through settlement behaviour.
Group vs Single Column
Both single CMC and group (composite footing) load tests conducted.
NABL Certified Reports
All results on NABL-accredited letterhead per IS 15284.
Ground Improvement QA
Essential acceptance test for CMC ground improvement schemes.

How the Control Modulus Column (CMC) Test is Conducted

  • 1
    CMC Head Preparation
    Selected CMC heads trimmed and levelled. Concrete cap or plate placed.
  • 2
    Reaction System Setup
    Kentledge deadweight reaction system assembled over the test CMC.
  • 3
    Instrumentation
    Load cell, hydraulic jack, LVDTs and dial gauges installed per test protocol.
  • 4
    Load Application
    Load applied in increments to 1.5× or 2× design load. Settlement recorded at each stage.
  • 5
    Analysis & Acceptance
    Load-settlement curve plotted. Stiffness and settlement vs acceptance criteria. NABL report within 7 days.

Applicable Test Standards

Standard Title Scope Type
IS 15284 Design and Construction for Ground Improvement — Guidelines Ground Improvement Indian Standard
IS 1888 Method of Load Test on Soils Load Test Reference Indian Standard
ASIRI Guidelines Recommendations for the Design, Construction and Control of Rigid Inclusion Ground Improvement CMC Design French Standard
ASTM D1196 Standard Test Method for Nonrepetitive Static Plate Load Tests Load Test ASTM

Where is the CAPO Test Used?

CMC ground improvement verification for reclaimed land and soft soil sites
Industrial warehouse and logistics park foundation ground improvement
Highway embankment foundation on soft compressible soil
Airport apron and taxiway CMC ground improvement acceptance
Tank farm and silo foundations on soft marine clay
Urban infrastructure where pile driving is not feasible

Our Advantages

NABL Accredited ReportsLegally valid IS 15284 compliance certificates for ground improvement acceptance.
CMC ExpertiseExperienced in CMC testing for industrial, logistics and infrastructure projects.
Combined Ground PackageCMC + Stone column + Plate load tests offered as a complete ground improvement QA.
Autovity Digital ReportsLoad-settlement data and acceptance status accessible digitally.
Pan-India CoverageTesting teams across all 7 lab locations.
Fast 7-Day ReportComplete NABL report within 7 days of test.
Get Started Today
Ready to request the Control Modulus Column (CMC) Test?
Schedule a site visit or send samples — our team responds within 2 hours.