Comacchio presents new Stone Columns arrangement for its CH 18 piling rig.

The Comacchio CH 18 (former CH 450) is a multipurpose piling rig that can be used for Bored Piles, CFA, Soil Mixing, Displacement Piles, Large DTH and Micropiles. The flexible design of the CH 18 has allowed to further expand its capabilities to Stone Columns installations.

Presented at Conexpo 2026, the dedicated Stone Columns kit is now available on the CH 18. The system allows for ground improvement through soil replacement. The load-bearing column is built with coarse gravel or crushed stones that are added at the bottom of the hole created by the Vibrolance. The stones are then compacted into the ground creating columns.

The 13-m-long Vibrolance used on the CH 18 allows for the installation of columns up to 12.6 m (41 ft) in depth. The vibrator is powered by the rig’s hydraulic system and a low-noise compressor mounted on the rear of the machine, replacing the ballast, supported by hydraulic stabilizing jacks. The installation of the Stone Columns kit requires no modifications to the rig's hydraulic system. The penetration and stone-feeding, as well as compaction, are supported by the rig’s powerful winch-pull-down system, providing 240 kN (54,000 lbs) pull-down/extraction force.

The unique feature of the CH 18 in stone columns configuration is the ability to operate in a full 360° radius, enabling stone columns to be installed all around the machine without repositioning.

Like all CH rigs, the CH 18 in Stone Columns arrangement features a high-efficiency hydraulic system, optimizing fuel consumption and reducing environmental impacts.