Site control procedures for applicability and quality of Rapid Impulse Compaction

Abstract

Rapid development of foundation engineering and substrate improvement technologies and also availability of various enforcement techniques make that dynamic or vibration-related technologies are used in such accomplishments. They are distinguished with numerous advantages like fast execution and large bearing capacities resulting from good compaction or additional compaction of natural soils during executing the work. Among such technologies most often used are, inter alia, stone columns, impulse compaction, dynamic replacement and, finally, micro-explosions. These technologies feature however some drawbacks like noise and vibrations. Noise is definitely more arduous for people. Although it is not more intense than that of standard work on construction site, but periodicity of noise source (e.g. vibrator, pile-driver) is oppressive for outsiders. Vibrations are generally better tolerated than noise. However, the influence of work exerted on neighbouring facilities should be under control. Accelerometers, which measure acceleration of structure elements caused by dynamic influences from working machinery, are used for this purpose. Another problem is the quality control of the work progressed. The paper provides both exemplary measurement equipment for vibration control and control procedures assessing efficiency of substrate improvement process.