Investigation of optimum compaction pattern in dynamic compaction operation using numerical simulation of adjacent impacts

ABSTRACT

In this study, dynamic compaction in sandy soil has been simulated using a three-dimensional numerical model, considering a cap plasticity model and the large deformation effects. Two different approaches for modelling the tamper impact were considered. After simulation of impact at one point, three-dimensional modelling of two and three adjacent impacts was performed to investigate the effect of various parameters on the amount and extension of improvement in the overlap area. The results of analyses indicate that if the grid spacing in the first phase of dynamic compaction is considered equal to four times the tamper diameter and the impact energy of the second phase equal to or more than 85% of the first phase, the required improvement in the soil mass can be uniformly created until the desired depth.

KEYWORDS:

• Dynamic compaction
• three-dimensional modelling
• adjacent impacts
• grid spacing
• impact energy
• compaction phases

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).