The Impact of Rolling Dynamic Compaction

Abstract

Rolling dynamic compaction (RDC) consists of a non-circular module of 3, 4 or 5 sides, that rotates as it is towed, causing it to fall to the ground and compact it dynamically. There is currently little guidance available for geotechnical practitioners regarding the depths of improvement that are possible in varying soil conditions. Current practice dictates that practitioners rely on personal experiences or available published project case studies that are limited in scope and applicability as they are typically aimed at achieving a project specification. There is a reluctance to adopt RDC as a ground improvement technique as there is uncertainty regarding its limitations and capabilities. The underlying objective of this research is to quantify the ground response of the 8-tonne 4-sided impact roller. This research has used full-scale field trials and bespoke instrumentation to capture the ground response due to dynamic loading in homogeneous soil conditions. It was found that towing speed quantifiably influenced the energy imparted into the ground, with towing speeds of 10-12 km/h found to be optimal. Targeted full-scale field trials were undertaken to quantify the depth of improvement that can be achieved using RDC. Field results were compared to a number of published case studies that have used the 8-tonne 4-sided roller. Significantly, separate equations have been developed to allow practitioners to predict the depths that can be improved for the two major applications of RDC: improving ground in situ and compacting soil in thick layers. Finally, the in-ground response of RDC was measured using buried earth pressure cells (EPCs) and accelerometers. Force was determined from the measured change in stress recorded by EPCs whereas displacement was inferred from the double integration of acceleration-time data to give real-time load-displacement behaviour resulting from a single impact. The energy delivered to the soil by RDC is quantified in terms of the work done, defined as the area under the force versus displacement curve. Quantifying the energy imparted into the ground in terms of the work done is a key difference from past studies. Previous estimates of the energy delivered by impact roller at the ground surface has traditionally been predicted based on either gravitational potential energy (12 kJ) or kinetic energy (30 kJ to 54 kJ for typical towing speeds of 9 to 12 km/h). The two different values have caused confusion amongst practitioners. This research has determined that the maximum energy per impact that the 8-tonne 4-sided impact roller is capable of imparting to the ground is between 22 kJ to 30 kJ for typical towing speeds of 9 to 12 km/h. Quantifying the effectiveness of the 8-tonne 4-sided impact roller in terms of towing speed, depth of influence, and soil response measured via real-time measurements will lead to a greater understanding of the practical applications and limitations of RDC. Significantly, more accurate assessments of RDC will reduce design conservatism and construction costs, reduce instances where the predicted ground improvement does not occur and enable RDC to be used and applied with greater confidence.