Rapid impact compaction (RIC)

Rapid impact compaction densifies shallow, granular soils, using a hydraulic hammer, which repeatedly strikes an impact plate on the ground surface.

Process

The RIC technology is the modern approach for compacting existing soils that would otherwise be excavated and compacted using a conventional roller compactor in layers of 15 to 30cm.

Energy is transferred to the underlying loose granular soils rearranging the particles into a denser formation. RIC can effectively densify up to 4-5m of soils without excavation, adding water or dewatering. It can also be used for fill compaction, which can place in bulk fill materials and compact it accordingly without adding any water.

For large infrastructure developments, RIC takes the lead due to its speed of execution that makes it much more cost effective than other alternatives.

Common uses

  • Increase bearing capacity
  • Decrease settlement
  • Mitigates risk of liquefaction

Advantages

  • Treated granular soils and fills have increased density, friction angle, and stiffness
  • Low cost treatment to soils 3-5m in depth
  • Quick start as no excavation, adding water or dewatering is required
  • Enables shallow foundations to be used opposed to deeper more expensive foundation solutions
  • Construction can start immediately after work is completed as it leaves a clean site free from debris

Quality assurance

The energy and deflection of the soil is monitored and recorded at each location, which allows the geotechnical engineer to determine when effective treatment is complete. It also enables the engineer to identify weak zones (red dots) or debris zones throughout the pad so that any remedial actions that may be required can be minimized resulting in cost savings.

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