Dynamic Compaction
is the dropping of heavy weights on the ground surface
to densify soils at depth.
Important Terms
Effective
Depth -- Maximum depth of ground improvement Zone of Major Densification -- About upper
2/3 of effective depth Energy Level -- Energy per blow (weight times
drop height) Energy Intensity Factor -- Involves energy
level, spacing, and number of blows
Dynamic Compaction
Applications
Reduce foundation settlements
Reduce seismic subsidence
Permit construction on fills
Densify garbage dumps
Improve mine spoils
Induce settlements in collapsible
soils
Typical Dynamic Compaction Program
Involves
Weights of 10 to 30 tons
Drop heights of 50 to 100 ft
Impact grids of 7 x 7 ft to 20 x
20 ft
Important Dynamic Compaction Geotechnical
Parameters
Soil conditions
Groundwater level
Relative density
Degree of saturation
Permeability
Applied Energy Requirements
Important Dynamic Compaction Construction
Conditions
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