Techniques

Dynamic Compaction

Dynamic Compaction (DC) comprises the imparting of high impact energy to the soils by dropping of a heavy mass, generally of the order of 10 to 25 tons, from a height of the order of 10 to 20 metres, with an effective unit impact energy in the range of 100 to 500 ton-metre to the soil.

The underlying concept of DC is to impose a loading onto the soil, or fills, that is higher than that, which will be imposed by the proposed development, thereby effectively over-consolidating the soil which, by definition, minimises any future settlement.

Dynamic Replacement

Dynamic Replacement is an extension of Dynamic Compaction and is used in clays, silts or stratified soils.
Stone or suitable granular fill is driven and compacted into the ground using the high energy pounders to form large diameter stone columns. These columns reinforce the soil and improve drainage.
Typical applications of Dynamic Compaction and Dinamic Replacement are in the control of settlements of embankments and bridge abutments, the foundations for large structures, such as warehouses and 1 to 3 storey buildings, and industrial facilities.