Method of estimating the effective zone induced by rapid impact compaction.

Area of Science:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Soil Mechanics
• Construction Materials

Background:

• Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) is widely used for soil improvement.
• Determining the effective zone of compaction is crucial for efficient RIC application.
• Existing methods for evaluating compaction effectiveness can be time-consuming and indirect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel method for estimating the effective zone of compaction degree during RIC.
• To determine the effective depth and range of compaction in sandy layers with low fines content.
• To provide a practical approach for optimizing RIC parameters in trial tests.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers to monitor acceleration at various depths and distances.
• Applying peak-over-threshold (POT) processing and normal distribution functions to analyze acceleration data.
• Employing spatial contours to correlate acceleration with depth and propagation distance.

Main Results:

• The mean and standard deviation of threshold peak acceleration effectively evaluate the compaction degree's effective depth and range.
• Spatial contours visually represent the distribution of the compaction effect zone.
• The proposed method allows for quick determination of RIC depth and impact spacing.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a reliable and efficient way to assess the effective compaction zone from RIC.
• This technique can significantly aid in optimizing RIC trial tests and field applications.
• Accurate estimation of the compaction effect zone leads to improved ground improvement outcomes.