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Rapid Impact Compaction

Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) is a ground improvement technique that densifies shallow, loose granular soils, using a hydraulic hammer which repeatedly strikes an impact plate. The energy is transferred to the underlying loose granular soils and rearranges the particles into a denser configuration. The impact locations are typically located on a grid pattern, the spacing of which is determined by the subsurface conditions and foundation loading and geometry. Treated granular soils and fills have increased density, friction angle and stiffness. The technique has been used to increase bearing capacity, and decrease settlement for planned structures.

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  • Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) to improve uncontrolled variable density fill at the site of the new Audenried High School site in Philadelphia, PA.
  • Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) to improve uncontrolled variable density fill at the site of the new Audenried High School site in Philadelphia, PA.
  • Rapid impact compaction for ground improvement for a new medical center in Plainsboro, NJ.
  • Rapid impact compaction performed for ground improvement for a new Emergency Operations and 9-1-1 Dispatch Center in Bridgeport, CT.
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  • Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) to improve uncontrolled variable density fill at the site of the new Audenried High School site in Philadelphia, PA.
  • Rapid impact compaction for ground improvement for a new medical center in Plainsboro, NJ.
  • Rapid impact compaction performed for ground improvement for a new Emergency Operations and 9-1-1 Dispatch Center in Bridgeport, CT.
The subsurface profile at the site of the new Audenried High School included 20 feet of uncontrolled variable density fill that would not support the school on shallow spread footings. Hayward Baker and the design engineer developed a Rapid Impact Compaction program to improve the fill to provide an allowable bearing pressure of 4,000 psf.

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Audenried High School, Philadelphia, PA

The subsurface profile at the site of the new Audenried High School included 20 feet of uncontrolled variable density fill that would not support the school on shallow spread footings. Hayward Baker and the design engineer developed a Rapid Impact Compaction program to improve the fill to provide an allowable bearing pressure of 4,000 psf.

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