ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the underlying soil mechanics for soil improvement by compaction and presents the means and methods by which compaction is achieved in the field. Shallow compaction is that which occurs beneath a surface-operated compactor such as a roller or plate compactor. Impact compaction is not generally used for shallow compaction but impact compaction is employed for deep compaction. An overview of the compactor equipment choices is presented so when design considerations are presented, there is a connection between the theoretical and physical aspects of compaction. The remainder of this chapter illustrates a few such approaches and serves as a baseline for evaluating other compaction techniques as they are developed. After an evaluation of alternatives that included deep dynamic compaction and vibroflotation stone columns, RIC was chosen. Cohesive soils are not suitable for vibrocompaction as the energy of compaction is insufficient to overcome the cohesive strength and, if saturated, the low permeability prevents the rapid drainage needed for densification.
