RAPID IMPACT COMPACTION

What it is:

Rapid impact compaction (RIC) is a variant of dynamic compaction that uses different equipment. The technique uses a hydraulic hammer and an anvil to densify granular soils at less depth than with a caterpillar crane.

How it works:

A hydraulic shovel with a 9-tonne high-frequency hammer (approximately 1 blow per second) from a maximum height of 1.2 m striking an anvil can densify the soil.

Why it’s used:

This process, especially well adapted to a wide range of projects in urban areas (small footprint / limited vibrations), increases the bearing capacity of granular soils or mixed fill while reducing post-construction settling as well as the potential for liquefaction.