Is water good for compaction? - HENGDA RIC

Water content plays a very important role in soil compaction. The maximum dry density is only achieved when the water content is at an ideal level. The Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) system uses an excavator-mounted, 7.5-9 ton hydraulic weight that is repeatedly dropped on a 1.5 m tamper foot to densify sand soils up to 6-7 m deep. This process is an equivalent alternative to bulk excavation and engineered fill.Improve up to 6-7m depth for the treatment of sand, silty sand, and fills for low-to-moderate bearing capacities.

Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) is a ground improvement technique that densifies shallow, loose and, granular soils. Soil treated by this method results in increased density, friction angle, and overall stiffness, which results in increased bearing capacity and decreased settlement of planned structures. Rapid Impact Compaction consists of an excavator-mounted, hydraulic pile-driving hammer repeatedly striking a circular plate that rests on the ground.  Energy is then transferred to the ground safely and efficiently, as the RIC’s foot remains in contact with the ground, which avoids concern over flying debris being ejected. Rapid Impact Compaction densifies loose-fill soils of up to 6 m deep or more. Additional benefits of rapid compaction include: an increase of the bearing capacity of the soils, minimization of settlement, and the creation of uniform support for foundation footing. Rapid Impact Compaction is an innovative solution when compared to the time and cost of over-excavation and re-compaction.

It is possible to compact the ground near an adjacent site with rapid impact compaction. Rapid impact compaction suits to ground improvement in small spaces. As an example, we can apply this technique within or next to existing warehouses. In such cases, we monitor very carefully vibrations in adjacent structures during rapid impact compaction.

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.

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.

Control: the machine is accurately controlled from the excavator cab and the degree of compaction is electronically monitored,

Safety: the impact foot is in contact with the ground at all times and eliminates the risk of flying debris. Unlike conventional dynamic compaction, other activities can take place in close proximity,

Quality assurance: the impact energy and soil deflection are recorded by an on-board computer for presentation of compaction data to site managers. Results can verify work done to the client. The data can also highlight weak zones where extra fill is required, or zones where underground obstructions were present (eg. previously hidden old foundations),

Mobilisation: the RIC units are mounted on CAT 45 ton and CAT 85 ton excavators and can be mobilised within minutes of arrival on site,

Speed & cost: due to the fast ground coverage and the compaction efficiency, RIC generates a significant cost and time saving over conventional dynamic compaction methods with up to 75% cost and 100% time savings.