Dynamic Compaction

and Dynamic
Replacement

Keller Ground Engineering has a wealth of global and local

knowledge within the geotechnical industry and as a result
delivers the most economical ground improvement designs
and products to achieve the client’s requests

Australia’s Leader
In Geotechnical Construction
 Example of DC/DR Free Dynamic Compaction and
Fall Weights Dynamic Replacement
THE TECHNIQUE
Deep Dynamic Compaction (DC) and Dynamic Replacement (DR)
both transfer mechanical energy – in the form of a free fall weight
dropped by a crane; which on impact help to pre-consolidate the
subsurface materials. Both techniques work most efficiently when
set out in a grid pattern; as the surface absorbs the weight and
depresses, the subsurface experiences stress waves caused by the
dropped weight which compress the soil in a pre-determined radius
and depth. By repeating this method in a grid pattern, the stress
waves overlap one another to increase the density, and thus the
capacity of the soil.

THE PROCESS
The DC and DR techniques are repetitive free fall drops in a grid
Example of DC/DR Free pattern, which on impact consolidate the soil, increase the density,
friction angle and stiffness; as well as decreasing the potential for
Fall Weights
site settlement or soil liquefaction. The process is relatively simple,
being a series of repetitive free fall weights in a given location,
whilst the precision lies in the positioning of the free fall weight in
an exact location to achieve the most favorable outcomes.

The difference between DC and DR, is that DR takes this process

one step further by filling in the consolidated regions with rock
and then continuing to compact the area. The rock infill acts to
strengthen soil layers located at depths beyond the effective
application of the DC method.

Quality Assurance

KGE can monitor and record:

Degree of consolidation produced by the

DDC & DCR methods

Conduct pre/post CPTs across the

working platform

Provide material certificates and quality

checks on the replacement rock
 THE DESIGN
DC and DR are both dependent on the type
of soil/ground condition, and ultimately
the cohesiveness of the soil. In cohesive
soils the free fall weight increases the
pore water pressure which is followed by
compaction, whilst in cohesionless soils
the free fall weight creates waves which
liquefy the soil forcing the particles closer
together, thus compaction is achieved.
Finally the free fall weight, drop height
and spacing can be determined based on
the geotechnical conditions and clients
requirements.

Ask KGE regarding your specific design requirements to provide you with a cost effective and
efficient design for your project.

Pre-Construction
KGE can conduct a site specific inspection/investigation to
gather any unknown design and construction data. Once this
data has been processed, KGE will mobilize to site bringing
the materials, plant/equipment and operators ready to
commence the DC or DR works.

During Construction
KGE will monitor the degree of compaction and record any
onsite data which is required by the client; including, but
not limited to;

Pre-Cone Penetration Tests

Post CPTs

Degree of consolidation per location

Amount of rock fill per location (DR Method)

Post Construction
KGE will compile all the relevant QA data and submit that to
the client (as agreed upon, or requested by the client).

www. ke l l e r g e. co m . a u
 APPLICATIONS ADVANTAGES

Pre-construction platforms for residential, Cost effective

commercial or infrastructure projects
Flexible applications
Soft soils, silts or clay ground conditions
Minimize soil settlement
Stabilize landfill or decommissioned
mine sites Reduces construction consolidation time

Minimize the need for heave in the No spoil or waste generated

surrounding soil

NCIG KOORANG ISLAND

Design and Construct by KGE Dynamic Compaction and Dynamic Replacement

were used for coal stockpile and stacker -
reclaimer areas

Keller Ground Engineering

Level 1, 4 Burbank Place, Baulkham Hills, NSW, 2153, Australia
www. ke l l e r g e. co m . a u T 1300 KELLER (1300 535537) F (+61) 02 8866 1151 E info@kellerge.com.au