Lecture 8
Dynamic Compaction
Vibro-compaction
methods
• Compaction at selected locations using vibrations and
vibratory equipment results in compaction to large
depths.
• The zone of compaction around a single float is a
function of type of float
• The success of in situ densification depends on grain
size distribution of the in situ soils, and that of backfill
soil
Use of grain size analysis a soil to decide on compactability
Soils in zones A and B can be compacted by the deep
vibratory compaction method vibro Compaction (also
called “vibroflotation”), while soils of zones C and D
cannot be compacted by vibration alone.
Soils in zone C are often found on sites where
liquefaction due to earthquakes is of concern. These
soils can be compacted during the installation of Stone
Columns.
Soils in zone D are not compactable by vibration, but
can be substantially reinforced, stiffened and drained
by installing Stone Columns.
•Vibro floatation refers to compaction of soil using a
vibrofloat in horizontal motion from the vibrator
inserted into the ground. Utilization of a top pile
driving vibrator in a vertical mode is less efficient.
•Utilization of the concept of frequency of vibrofloat
matching that of natural frequency of in-situ soil is
also done in vibro-compaction (Eg: Miller Resonate
compaction technique).
•Vibro-replacement uses the same equipment as in
vibro-compaction and uses water/air as the jetting
medium, and graded stone aggregate as backfill.
Vibro Compaction
The objective in Vibro-compaction is to achieve
densification of coarse grained soils with less than 10-15%
silt. The effect of the process is based on the fact that
particles of non-cohesive soil can be rearranged by
vibration.
Applicable soils
Coarse grained soils with silt/clay content less than 10-
15%
Effects
Increased shear strength, Increased stiffness, Reduced
liquefaction potential
Common applications
Buildings, Chemical plants, Storage tanks & silos,
Pipelines, Wharf structures, embankments, Roads
Both land / offshore applications
Maximum depth 60 m
Vibro Replacement
Vibro Replacement is a technique of constructing stone
columns through fill material and weak soils to improve
their load bearing and settlement characteristics. Unlike
clean granular soils, fine grained soils (such as clays and
silts) do not densify effectively under vibrations. Hence, it
is necessary to form stone columns to reinforce and
improve fill materials, weak cohesive and mixed soils.
Principle of Vibro Replacement
The stone columns and intervening soil form an integrated
foundation support system having low compressibility and
improved load bearing capacity. In cohesive soils, excess
pore water pressure is readily dissipated by the stone
columns and for this reason, reduced settlements occur at
a faster rate than is normally the case with cohesive soils.
Principle Reinforcement and Drainage
Applicable soils
Mixed deposits of clay, silt and sand, Soft and ultra soft
silts (slimes) Soft and ultra soft clays, Garbage fills
Effects
Increased shear strength, Increased stiffness, Reduced
liquefaction potential
Common applications
Airport taxiways and runways, Chemical plants, Storage
tanks & silos, Pipelines, Bridge abutments and
approaches, Offshore bridge abutments, Road and
railway embankments, Both land / offshore applications
Maximum depth 20-40 m
STONE COLUMNS
In soft clayey materials they are useful.
Vibro - compozer (Japan)
Vibro-floatation (vibro-replacement) (European)
0.4 -1.0 m layers are compacted
Casing driving
Boring (very similar to procedures in sands)
Sometimes injection mortar columns
0.6 -1.0 m diameter depending on the material (up to 20
m)
crushed rock 20 - 75 mm popular
Square or triangular pattern, 1.5 -3.5m spacing
They provide strength reinforcement to the soil.
Settlement
Stability
They act like vertical drains.
0.3 m blanket: drainage and structural stress
distributing layer.
Columns should extend to a firmer soil below.
Because of the relatively high modulus of the columns,
a large proportion of the vertical load applied to the
ground surface is transferred to the columns. They are
similar to pile foundations (but, pile caps & structural
connections are not required).
Conclusions
Vibro- compaction and vibro- replacement
techniques have been used to a considerable
extent in ground improvement projects
They have been very cost effective in
infrastructure projects.
Drainage function of the stone columns has been
very useful in mitigation of damages due to
liquefaction.