DEEP COMPACTION

Outlines
Definition.
Why Compact.
Methods of deep compaction.
Vibro-Replacement Stone Columns.
Dynamic Compaction.
Preloading .
References.
 Soil Compaction
Definition:
It is the densification of soil
by removal of air, which
requires mechanical
energy. Simplistically,
compaction may be defined
as the process in which soil
particles are forced closer
together with the resultant
reduction in air voids.
 Why Compact?
Increases load-bearing capacity.
Prevents soil frost damage.
Provides stability.
Reduces water seepage, swelling and
contraction.
Reduces settling of soil.
Methods of compaction

1. Vibro-Replacement Stone Columns.

2. Dynamic Compaction.
3. Preloading .
 Vibro-Replacement Stone
Columns
Vibro-Replacement Stone Columns extends the range of soils
that include cohesive soils.

Densification and/or reinforcement of the soil with compacted

granular columns or stone columns is accomplished by
either top-feed or the bottom-feed method.

Cohesive, mixed and layered soils generally do not densify

easily when subjected to vibration alone. The Vibro-
Replacement Stone Column technique was developed
specifically for these soils, effectively extending the range of
soil types that can be improved with the deep vibratory
process. With Vibro-Replacement Stone Columns, columns of
dense, crushed stone are designed to increase bearing
capacity, reduce settlement, aid densification and mitigate the
potential for liquefaction, and improve shear resistance.
The Vibro-Replacement Stone Column
Process:
1. Reduces foundation settlement.
2. Increases bearing capacity, allowing
reduction in footing size.
3. Provides slope stabilization.
4. Permits construction on fills.
5. Permits shallow footing construction.
Vibro-Replacement Procedures:

Stage1: The jet at the bottom of the

Vibroflot is turned on and lowered
into the ground
Stage2: The water jet creates a
quick condition in the soil. It
allows the vibrating unit to sink
into the ground
Vibro-Replacement Procedures (cont.):

Stage 3: Granular material is poured from

the top of the hole. The water from the
lower jet is transferred to the jet at the
top of the vibrating unit. This water
carries the granular material down the
hole
Vibro-Replacement Procedures (cont.):

Stage 4: The vibrating unit is gradually

raised in about 0.3-m lifts and held
vibrating for about 30 seconds at each
lift. This process compacts the soil to
the desired unit weight.
 Dynamic compaction
Definition:
method involves the systematic dropping
of heavy weights, 100 to 400kN, from a
height of 5 to 30m, in a pattern designed
to remedy poor soil conditions at the
proposed building site.
Why dynamic compaction is used?

To increase in-situ density.

Improve the bearing capacity and
consolidation characteristics of soils (or
waste materials).
Improve in-situ permeability and/or reduce
liquefaction potential.
 What soils are suitable?
Most soil types can be improved, including
silts and some clays.
The most commonly treated soils are old
fills and granular virgin soils. Soils below
the water table are routinely treated.
Careful control has to be used to allow
dissipation of excess pore pressures
created during the weight dropping.
How much improvements is
possible?
The total degree of improvement is
dependent on the total applied energy to
the ground.
Empirical correlations have been
established between soil type, test
parameters (such as SPT, CPT and PMT)
and the total applied energy.
 Stages of the process?
Stage1 : Prior to commencement of the
works, a granular blanket is placed
over the treatment area. The weight is
dropped from heights of up to 25m,
with up to 5 no. passes and up to 10
no. drops per pass.

Stage2 : On the first pass the deepest

layers are compacted. Following
completion of the pass the site is then
regarded.
Stage3 : Subsequent passes compact
successively shallower layers,
following which the site is regarded.

Stage4 : The final tamping pass is often

continuous to compact the soils at
shallow depth.
 Preloading
Known as pre-compression.

It is the process of placing additional vertical

stress on a compressible soil to remove pore
water over time. The pore water dissipation
reduces the total volume causing settlement.

the consolidation of the soils is time dependent ,

delaying construction projects making it a non-
feasible alternative
Soils Treated:
Organic Silt.
Silts and Clays.
Soft Clay.
Dredged Material.

Design Considerations:
Bearing Capacity
Slope Stability
Degree of Consolidation
Applications

Reduce Post-
Construction Settlement
Reduce Secondary
Compression
Densification
Improve Bearing
Capacity.
 References

http://tc17.poly.edu/preloading.html
http://www.sbe.napier.ac.uk/projects/compaction/chapter3c.htm
www.teaching.ust.hk/~civl270/Class270/topic-5.ppt
http://www.landpac.com/Theory/basic_princ_factors_compaction.htm
http://www.concrete-catalog.com/soil_compaction.html