Dynamic Compaction

Dynamic compaction
 Dynamic Compaction
• The process primarily involves
dropping a heavy weight
repeatedly on the ground at
regular intervals.
• The weight of hammer used
varies from 5t to 40t
• Height of hammer drop varies
between 7.5m to 30m.
• The stress waves generated by
the hammer drops helps in the
densification to a large depths
Leonards et al. (1980) suggested that the significant
depth of influence for compaction is app.

1
DI = 𝑊𝐻 ℎ
2
Where
DI = significant depth of compaction (m)
WH = dropping weight (tonne)
h= height of drop (m)
 Poran and Rodiguez suggested a rational method for conducting
dynamic compaction for granular soils.

Acc. to this method, for hammer of width D having a weight WH

and a drop h, the app. Shape of the densified area will be of the
type shown below
Design chart

Note b = DI
The method uses the following steps

1. Determine the significant depth of densification

2. Determine DI/D = b/D

3. Use chart and determine the magnitude of NWH h/Ab for the value of b/D
obtained in step 2.

4. Since the magnitude of WH , h, A and b are known, the number of hammer

drops can be determined.

5. With known values of NWHh/Ab, determine a/D and thus a from fig.

6. The grid spacing, Sg for dynamic compaction may now be assumed to be

equal to or somewhat less than a.