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 10-
30 metres. Dynamic Compaction was invented by
Louis Menard in the late 1960’s 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 • Compacts large areas of loose granular fills
ground, and reclamation areas with variable • Reduces the volume of landfill waste
• Increases insitu density and collapses voids
characteristics, even where underground • Increased bearing capacity
obstructions are present. • Reduces post-construction settlements

Applications :
Dynamic Compaction is effective in both saturated
• Port and Airport Platforms
and un-saturated soils. Typically this technique
• Heavy Storage Facilities
should not be carried out within 15m of existing • Landfill sites
services and 30m from existing buildings.

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 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 1st Phase, 2nd Phase, Levelling
unit energy, phasing & rest periods, depend on the soil types Compaction Compaction phase, com-
of deep of intermedi- paction of
and level of improvement required. Specially designed 80-120t.
layers ate layers surface layer
cranes are normally used. Designs are normally confirmed by
on site pilot test areas or calibration zones.
Dynamic Compaction Stages
1. The immediate effect is normally predominant and results in
the immediate reduction in the void ratio, measured by the
settlement after impact.
2. 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 im-
proved 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 em-
ploys 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 im-
portant, in order to obtain an homogeneous compaction over
the thickness of the soil mass. High Energy Dynamic Compaction

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