Densification of desert sands by high energy dynamic compaction

The dynamic compaction (DC) method is an effective ground treatment technique widely used in a great variety of soil types and conditions, particularly sandy materials and granular fills. However, the application of DC on very fine desert sandy ground is rare. In this study, dynamic compaction with a high energy level of 8000 kN·m was applied to a desert sand site in Inner Mongolia, China. During DC construction, field tests were conducted to determine the optimum DC operation parameters. This field study included deformation tests, dynamic penetration tests and plate-load tests. Deformation tests included the crater depth per drop and the whole test zone elevations before and after DC. Dynamic penetration tests and plate-load tests were performed to evaluate the final effect of DC. It was found that the allowable ground-bearing capacity and the depth of improvement at the site achieved no less than 450 kPa and 12 m, respectively, as a result of high energy dynamic compaction.

► High energy dynamic compaction (8000 kN·m) was applied to a desert sand site.
► Field tests were conducted to determine the optimum DC operation parameters.
► Field study included deformation tests, DPT tests and plate-load tests.
► After DC, the improvement depth at the site achieved no less than 12 m.