Description

The basic principle behind the Dynamic Compaction (DC) technique consists in the transmission of high energy waves in order to improve weak subsoil. As a result of the impact the soil is compacted depending on its condition, structure and depth. The energy is transferred to the subsoil by multiple impacts with properly shaped weight (steel pounder) with a weight ranging from 10 to 40 tons free falling from a height ranging from 5 to 40 m. In order to perform an effective dynamic consolidation the lattice-boom cranes are used obtaining sufficiently high impact energy. The Dynamic Compaction method consists of two pounding stages where in the first stage deep layers are compacted and in the second stage intermediate layers. After completion of the two stages the surface compaction (so-called ‘ironing’) is carried out within the entire improved area. The Dynamic Compaction is normally preceded by the development of a test plot where the grid spacing is determined along with the impact energy which is needed to achieve the required compaction, i.e. weight and shape of the pounder and the height of its drop.

Application

Dynamic Compaction is applicable to any kind of non-cohesive soils even in the presence of rocky fraction. This technology is particularly effective with non-organic, heterogeneous fills and in reclaimed areas with different characteristics (in particular, for abandoned landfills, open-pit mines and quarries, uncompacted dumps).

The method is used for improvement of the subsoil under industrial and commercial halls, heavy warehouses, tanks, aprons, road and rail embankments and other large or linear structures. The Dynamic Compaction is capable to improve many types of soils to high strength parameter values. The depth of the compaction most often varies between 3 and 7 m.

Advantages

• High performance – Dynamic consolidation is highly effective which makes it economical for improvement of large areas.
• Environmental reclamation – ability to use the Dynamic Compaction method on the areas of former landfill sites, abandoned open – pit mines and quarries, uncompacted dumps results in revitalization of these areas.
• Universal in the scope of non–cohesive soils – ability of using this technology for strengthening any non–cohesive soil types.
• Simplicity of implementation: this technology does not require material supplies or additional equipment.
• Successful improvement depends on the proper selection of impact energy.
• Economy – high efficiency and ease of implementation makes this one of most economically advantageous method of strengthening the soil.
• Performance verification – just a couple of days after performing Dynamic Compaction the effect can be verified by conducting dynamic probing. This way the solution for following scope can be optimized (location of the points, number of impacts on a point).