Dynamic compaction of Soil

Dynamic compaction is a ground improvement technique in which a

drop weight is used to densify the soils and fill materials. The drop
weight is typically made of steel and is lifted by a crane and repeatedly
dropped onto the ground surface. The vibrations that are resulted from the
repeated drops, are transmitted below the surface which improve soils at
depth. These drop locations are generally located on a grid pattern. The
subsurface conditions and foundation loading and geometry determines
the spacing of the grid pattern.

Dynamic Compaction of Loose Fill

Dynamic compaction utilizes the dynamic effect of high energy impacts
which are caused by the drop weight of steel. These large steel weights
weigh 15-40 tonnes which are dropped from a height of 10-30 meters.
The actual purpose of this technique is to transmit high energy waves
through a compressible soil layer to improve Geo-technical properties of
soil at greater depths. Dynamic Compaction is normally associated with
an intensive procedure which undergoes in-situ testing to verify that the
specified improvement has been achieved.

Arrangement of the large steel weight making an impact

Dynamic Compaction is applicable to all types of granular soils. This

technique is particularly well adapted to the following soils:

 non-organic
 non-homogeneous fill
 made ground (area of land that is man made by reclamation of
marshes, lakes or shorelines
 reclamation areas with variable characteristics
 Also where underground obstructions are present
 Soils with large air voids such as refuse dumps and poorly filled
ground.
Dynamic Compaction is effective in both saturated and unsaturated soils.
Typically this technique should not be carried out within 15m of existing
services and 30m from existing buildings. Specially designed 80-120t
cranes are used. The site test areas assess the designs after which they are
confirmed.

Phasing of dynamic compaction

Spacing between impact points depend on:

 Depth of compressible layer

 Permeability of soil.
 Location of ground water level

Deeper layers are compacted at wider grid spacing and upper layers are
compacted with closer grid spacing.

Dynamic Compaction Stages:

 The immediate effect caused by this technique is of utmost

importance as it results in the immediate reduction in the void ratio
which is measured by the settlement after impact.
  The increase in pore pressure and localized liquefaction in some
saturated soils causes a slower phenomenon of improvement of
soil. But the pore pressure dissipates during the rest period and
results in an improved soil due to the reorganized soil structure.

Ground improvement with time

Advantages of Dynamic compaction:

 Compacts large areas of loose granular fills

 Reduces the volume of landfill waste
 Increases in situ density and the voids are collapsed
 Increased bearing capacity
 Reduces post-construction settlements

Applications of Dynamic compaction:

 Port and Airport Platforms

 Heavy Storage Facilities
 Landfill sites

High Energy Dynamic Compaction:

High Energy Dynamic Compaction

When soils of depths more than 10-12m are to be compacted, High

energy dynamic compaction can be carried out. This type of compaction
technique employs an equipment which comprises of free falling drop
weights needing a specially designed weight release system using
hydraulic clamps to avoid cable damping and friction, plus repeat cycle
lifting hooks. When the high energy dynamic compaction is used for
treatment of greater depths, the design of work phases is important in
order to obtain a homogeneous compaction over the thickness of the soil
mass.
Remarks:

The concept of Dynamic compaction is simple but experienced engineers

and good planning is essential. Also the thorough understanding of soil
strata prior to treatment and maintaining an excellent control program
during all phases of the work is required.