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Ground Improvement Specialists

Dynamic Compaction
Introduction
Dynamic Compaction is used to achieve deep
ground densification for building foundations, or road
and

rail

embankment

foundations,

on

loose

materials. This technique uses the dynamic effect of


high energy impacts, caused by dropping large steel
weight weighing 15 to 40 tonnes from a height of 1030 metres. Dynamic Compaction was invented by
Louis Menard in the late 1960s and has been
developed on numerous sites and applications since
this time.

The basic principle behind the technique consists in


the transmission of high energy waves through a
compressible soil layer in order to improve at depth
its geotechnical properties. Dynamic Compaction is
normally associated with an intensive programme of
insitu-testing in order to verify the that the specified
improvement has been achieved.
Dynamic Compaction of Loose Fill

Dynamic Compaction is applicable to all types of


granular soils. This technique is particularly well

Advantages:

adapted to non-organic, non-homogeneous fill, made

ground,

and

reclamation

characteristics,

even

areas
where

with

variable

underground

obstructions are present.

Compacts large areas of loose granular fills


Reduces the volume of landfill waste
Increases insitu density and collapses voids
Increased bearing capacity
Reduces post-construction settlements

Applications :
Dynamic Compaction is effective in both saturated
and un-saturated soils. Typically this technique
should not be carried out within 15m of existing

Port and Airport Platforms


Heavy Storage Facilities
Landfill sites

services and 30m from existing buildings.

www.vibromenard.co.uk

Dynamic Compaction
Typical Phasing of Dynamic Compaction

10-40 tonne weights are propped in free or quasi-free fall, from


a height of 10-30m. The spacing of the impact points and the
unit energy, phasing & rest periods, depend on the soil types
and level of improvement required. Specially designed 80-120t.
cranes are normally used. Designs are normally confirmed by
on site pilot test areas or calibration zones.

1st Phase,
Compaction
of deep
layers

2nd Phase,
Levelling
Compaction phase, comof intermedipaction of
ate layers
surface layer

Dynamic Compaction Stages


1.
2.

The immediate effect is normally predominant and results in


the immediate reduction in the void ratio, measured by the
settlement after impact.
A slower phenomenon occurs in some saturated soils caused
by the increase in pore pressure and localised liquefaction.
This dissipates during the rest period and results in an improved soil due to the reorganised soil structure.

Ground Improvement with Time

High Energy Dynamic


Compaction
For compaction of soils to more than 10-12m, High Energy
Dynamic Compaction can be performed. This technique employs High Energy of more than 600 t.m using drop weights of
more than 30t, drop heights of more than 30m and cranes
weighing more than 120t.
High Energy Compaction uses specialist equipment including
free fall drop weights requiring a specially designed weight
release system using hydraulic clamps to avoid cable damping
and friction, plus repeat cycle lifting hooks, shown above.
Due to the greater treatment depths of High Energy Dynamic
Compaction the design of the work phases is particularly important, in order to obtain an homogeneous compaction over
the thickness of the soil mass.

High Energy Dynamic Compaction

www.vibromenard.co.uk

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