What is rapid impact compaction used for?

Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) is a ground improvement technique that densifies shallow, loose and, granular soils. Soil treated by this method results in increased density, friction angle, and overall stiffness, which results in increased bearing capacity and decreased settlement of planned structures. Rapid Impact Compaction consists of an excavator-mounted, hydraulic pile-driving hammer repeatedly striking a circular plate that rests on the ground.  Energy is then transferred to the ground safely and efficiently, as the RIC’s foot remains in contact with the ground, which avoids concern over flying debris being ejected. Rapid Impact Compaction densifies loose-fill soils of up to 6 m deep or more. Additional benefits of rapid compaction include: an increase of the bearing capacity of the soils, minimization of settlement, and the creation of uniform support for foundation footing. Rapid Impact Compaction is an innovative solution when compared to the time and cost of over-excavation and re-compaction.

Small Buildings and Floor Slabs – RIC has been used to improve soil under 2 to 3-story building footings and floor slabs.

Replace Surcharging – Instead of using a surcharge to consolidate the soil under a static weight, Rapid Impact Compaction consolidates it immediately.

Replace Over Excavation – Loose fills or soils can be consolidated immediately without the need to replace the soil.

Improve Lateral Load Capacity for Piles – The lateral load capacity of a pile is greatly influenced by the stiffness of the upper 10 feet of soil in which it is driven. By densifying the upper layers of soil the lateral capacity is greatly increased.

RIC is a high-frequency, controlled energy, soil compaction technique used to densify surface layers of soils (to a depth of 5 to 7 meters in most cases) with minimum impact on the immediate worksite environment. Rapid Impact Compaction is widely used to densify loose granular soils (sand or gravel) as well as loam fill and industrial brownfield sites for surface compaction, foundations and floor slab support, liquefaction mitigation and waste stabilisation.