What is compaction by pounding?

Rapid Impact Compaction provides a technically sound and economic method of improving the capacity of a wide variety of loose soils and fills. The Rapid Impact Compactor can work alone on some types of strata (effective treatment in the top layers of typically up to 6 m depth) or in conjunction with other ground improvement techniques, e.g., Deep Dynamic Compaction, where the strata´s depth or grain sizes dictates. Due to the numerous benefits, e.g., compaction control through an on-board computer, operation at safety, quality assurance, versatility and speed, the Rapid Impact Compaction system will become well-established in the dynamic compaction field. Further research, including theoretical, numerical and practical studies, is nevertheless essential to enhance the innovative compaction system. 

The RIC machine consists mainly of three components: a crawler hydraulic excavator base with a strengthened arm to which a compaction hammer is attached. A weight within the hammer generates compression by the repeated drop onto a compaction foot that remains in contact with the ground.

RIC can be used to improve bearing capacity and reduce liquefaction potential of loose soils. The compaction sequence is designed to work from the outside in, so that compaction of the lower zone soils occurs first followed by compaction of the upper zone. Data monitoring during the compaction process and the online display in the operator’s cab enables compaction control, an economic application of the compaction tool, and a work integrated quality control. The total impact depth of the impact foot, the number of blows, and the final settlement of the impact foot after a blow define the stopping criteria.