Blog

TRD Method: Cement-Mixed Soil Continuous Underground Wall Construction

Introduction to the TRD Method

The TRD Method (Trench Cutting Re-mixing Deep Wall Method) is an advanced construction technique that utilizes a chainsaw cutter system as its primary machinery. During the insertion process, the chain-saw cutter connects to the main unit, allowing vertical or horizontal movement to cut through underground soil while injecting cement as a hardening agent.

Developed in Japan in the early 1990s, the TRD Method is a complete set of equipment and construction techniques capable of forming continuous walls in various soil layers, including sand and gravel strata.

How the TRD Method Works

The fundamental principle involves inserting a chainsaw cutter box vertically into the ground, followed by horizontal movement. Simultaneously, the chain-driven cutter performs an up-and-down rotary motion, mixing the native soil with injected cement slurry to form a uniform-thickness wall.

Key Features of TRD Construction:

  • Continuous wall formation with no gaps

  • Smooth surface finish and consistent thickness

  • High uniformity in wall composition

  • Superior water-sealing performance

Applications of the TRD Method

The TRD Method is widely used in:

  • Building foundations (reinforcement & anti-seepage)

  • Underground engineering (tunnels, basements)

  • Waterfront structures (embankments, seawalls)

  • Dam & levee construction (stabilization & seepage control)

Advantages of the TRD Method

1. High Stability

  • Machine height is independent of construction depth (~10m), ensuring stability.

  • Zero risk of tipping accidents—the cutting box remains embedded underground.

2. Superior Wall Quality

  • More uniform mixing compared to traditional methods.

  • Continuous construction eliminates poor interlocking issues.

  • Ensures high continuity & watertightness—forming a true “wall” rather than a “fence.”

  • Allows H-beam insertion at any interval, reducing material costs and improving efficiency.

3. High Construction Precision

  • Depth does not affect accuracy.

  • Real-time monitoring via a construction management system adjusts the cutter box position (X/Y-axis) for precise wall formation.

4. Strong Adaptability

  • Works in sand, silt, clay, gravel, and even hard strata (N-value >50).

  • Effective in challenging ground conditions, including:

    • Cobblestone

    • Stiff clay

    • Sandstone

    • Oil shale

    • Limestone

    • Granite

5. Uniform Wall Quality

  • Continuous vertical cutting and mixing ensure consistent wall quality, even in complex geological conditions.

Conclusion

The TRD Method is a highly efficient, stable, and precise solution for underground continuous wall construction. Its ability to adapt to diverse soil conditions while ensuring uniformity and watertightness makes it a preferred choice for modern geotechnical and civil engineering projects.

For projects requiring deep foundation support, seepage prevention, or ground reinforcement, the TRD Method offers unmatched reliability and performance.