DYNAMIC COMPACTION

Dynamic compaction densifies soil to a great depth through the impact of a metal mass from a great height, generating very high energy shock waves. The technique was invented and developed by Louis Menard in the 1960s.

Dynamic compaction uses weights of 12 to 40 tonnes in free fall from a height of 10 to 40 metres. The layout of the impact point and other parameters of the treatment – energy, phasing, number of impacts per imprint, rest periods, etc. – depend on the characteristics of the ground to be treated.

This process, applicable to many projects, increases the bearing capacity of granular soils or mixed fill while reducing post-construction settling as well as the potential for liquefaction.