How deep can rapid impact compactor compact?

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.

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.

RIC is the right answer when:

■ Over-excavation and replacement is not feasible due to environmental or practical reasons

■ Safety is an issue (no weight falling from great heights)

■ Vibrations need to be managed (< 2 ips at 30 feet)

■ Specific levels of improvement are required

■ Compaction energy needs to be carefully controlled

One advantage of RIC is that the drop height and number of blows can be varied based on the soil conditions. Through a test program, we will work with the Geotechnical Engineer of Record (GER) to determine the appropriate improvement criteria and RIC set-up for various areas of the site. For a site with a mixed soil profile and varying thicknesses of sand and clay, the ability to accurately control the amount of energy delivered to the ground is critical as it allows one to improve the loose overlying loose soil without liquefying the fine grained soils below – providing more uniform compaction.

Use within 30 feet of a Building – Because Rapid Impact Compaction provides a low magnitude of impact loading at a very high frequency, the peak particle velocity remains relatively low (less than 2 inches per sec) at a distance of 30 feet from the source. This is different from Deep Dynamic Compaction which has a low frequency and a high magnitude of loading so vibrations are greater from DDC when compared to RIC.

RIC increases the stiffness and shear strength of soils through the use of impact compaction effort. Specific benefits include:

Increases Standard Penetration Resistance – the standard penetration resistance (N-Values) of loose granular soil can increase significantly. In developing an RIC specification for a project the minimum target blow count for the performance required should be specified.