Abstract
Soil treatment was utilized on numerous production sites to compact cohesion less formations, having the objective to increase earth characteristics and decrease probable subsidence. Within the last few years, Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) has increased its attractiveness as a soil treatment method. RIC is an innovative dynamic compaction technique primarily used to compact sandy soils where silt and clay contents are low. This work presents a case study of ground improvement using RIC and its suitability for site preparation earthworks. The RIC technique has been performed in an early site preparation which consists of a cut and fill contract for a mega project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RIC is a process where loose subsurface soils are improved through compaction with the utilization of successive impact blows from the top surface. This project involves the compaction of the fill materials (with an average thickness of 4 m) and loose natural formations (averaging 4 m in depth). The objective of the soil treatment scheme is to increase the relative density of the soils (both fill and natural) to 85%. The usage of the RIC within the site preparation earthwork applications is possible provided the presence of certain elements—specifically, granular materials and particles finer than number 200 sieve—do not exceed 15%. The RIC method proved to be cost- and time-effective when utilized for filling compaction activities since it compacts considerable soil thicknesses with a single action from the top surface, and can be used as an alternative to the traditional method of compacting fill formations in pre-determined lift thicknesses.
Highlights
The Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) technique has been performed in an early site preparation which consists of a cut and fill contract for a mega project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The objective of the soil treatment scheme is to increase the relative density of the soils to 85%
Rapid Impact Compactor (RIC) is an innovative dynamic compaction device based on the piling hammer technology used to compact sandy soils where silt and clay contents are low
Summary
Rapid Impact Compactor (RIC) is an innovative dynamic compaction device based on the piling hammer technology used to compact sandy soils where silt and clay contents are low. The major outcomes of this project will be: 1) Mitigation of the problems barricading the use of RIC within the site preparation earthwork applications due to uncertainties related to the depth of improvement and soil formations applicability. The RIC method uses dynamic energy which is transferred by the hydraulic hammer dropping from a pre-determined height onto a steel patented foot (plate), which is continuously kept in contact with the ground. This procedure is constantly repeated within the same compaction point by rapidly raising and dropping the hammer onto the plate. The usage of RIC within the site preparation earthwork applications is possible provided the following restrictions: 1) Compacting of granular materials with low silt and clay content. RIC procedures are established through trials upon which the optimum compaction parameters are defined
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