Best Practice

SABP-Q-014 8 June 2017

Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)
Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee

Contents
1 Introduction......................................................... 2
1.1 Purpose ........................................................ 2
1.2 Scope ........................................................... 2
1.3 Disclaimer..................................................... 2
1.4 Conflicts with Mandatory Standards ............. 2
2 References ......................................................... 2
2.1 Saudi Aramco References............................ 3
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards ..................... 3
3 Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) Concept .......... 4
4 Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) Process ........... 5
5 Material .............................................................. 6
6 Rapid Impact Compaction Design ...................... 7
6.1 Depth of Treatment ...................................... 7
6.2 Spacing ........................................................ 7
7 Performance Control .......................................... 8
8 Key Features of Rapid Impact Compaction ........ 9
9 Specifications Compliance ............................... 10
10 Rapid Impact Compaction Trials ...................... 10
11 Quality Control and Quality Assurance ............. 11
12 Reporting .......................................................... 13

Previous Issue: New Next Planned Update: TBD

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©Saudi Aramco 2017. All rights reserved

Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose

This Best Practice establishes guidelines and recommendations of the design and
quality control activities required for Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) ground
improvement works. This Best Practice is intended for Saudi Aramco engineers
(mostly Project Management Team and Project Inspection Team) and engineers
working on Saudi Aramco projects.

1.2 Scope

This Best Practice provides the recommended requirements for quality control
and quality assurance plans which are vital for a successful Rapid Impact
Compaction ground improvement program. The quality control process is
ensuring the work shall deliver a ground arrangement that should meet the
requirements.

The plan performance program summaries the measures for the Rapid Impact
Compaction work, quality control documents these measures as well as the
testing conducted, and quality assurance involves evaluating the work and
testing and addresses any conformance issues.

1.3 Disclaimer

Using this Best Practice to monitor the Rapid Impact Compaction ground
improvement works for Saudi Aramco does not relieve the contractor from his
responsibility to verify the accuracy of any information presented or from his
contractual liability to provide safe and sound designs that conform to
Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirements. The use of the
information herein does not guarantee that the resulting product will satisfy the
applicable requirements of any project. Saudi Aramco assumes no
responsibility or liability for any reliance on the information presented herein or
for designs prepared in accordance with this document.

1.4 Conflicts with Mandatory Standards

In the event of a conflict between this Best Practice and mandatory Saudi
Aramco engineering requirements such as procedures and standards, the
requirement documents shall govern.

2 References

This Best Practice is based on the latest edition of the references below, unless
otherwise noted.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

2.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-383 Approving Third Party Testing Laboratories,
Geotechnical Engineering Offices and Batch
Plants

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
SAES-A-113 Geotechnical Engineering Requirements
SAES-A-114 Excavation and Backfill

Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM D1556 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight
of Soil in Place by the Sand Cone Method
ASTM D1586 Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test
(SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
ASTM D1587 Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling
of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
ASTM D5778 Standard Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone
and Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soils

Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)

CIRIA C573 A Guide to Ground Treatment
CIRIA C572 Treated Ground Engineering Properties and
Performance

Building Research Establishment (BRE)

BRE BR458 Specifying Dynamic Compaction

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

3 Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) Concept

Rapid Impact Compaction (sometimes referred to as shallow dynamic compaction or

rapid dynamic compaction) is a soil improvement technique where loose subsurface
soils are improved through compaction with the utilization of successive impact blows
from the top surface.

Rapid Impact Compaction is a densification method resulting on improvement of weak

soil formations by utilizing a hydraulic hammer of various weights (ranged from 7tn to
16tn) mounted within an excavator.

The method comprises of repeated lifting and dropping of the hydraulic hammer from a
pre-determined height on the points of a grid pattern. The points are typically positioned
on a grid pattern the spacing of which is determined not only by the subsurface soil
formations but also on foundations loading and geometry.

This method is applicable for dynamic compacting granular materials with low silt and
clay content. The Rapid Impact Compaction can be utilized for the improvement of
either shallow sandy natural materials or fills of granular nature which developed
through backfilling/reclamation.

The usage of the Rapid Impact Compaction is possible provided the following:
 Presence of non-cohesive (sandy) materials.
 Particles finer than No. 200 sieve shall not exceed 15%.
 Depth of improvement not more than 4m.
This technique has been used for achieving the following:
 To increase the bearing capacity of the soil.
 To minimize settlements.
 To reduce the liquefaction potential.
In summary, substantial improvement to shallow depths (up to 4m) can be
accomplished by the usage of Rapid Impact Compaction often with significant cost and
time saving when compared to other soil mitigation measures. Depth of improvement
with the Rapid Impact Compaction method is less than the deep compaction methods
applicable for same soil nature (e.g. vibro compaction, dynamic compaction) but it still
greatly overcomes the one achieved through the ordinary surface roller compactors.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

4 Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) Process

The Rapid Impact Compaction was originally developed during the early 1990s in the
United Kingdom for accommodating the repair of damaged airfield runways on a fast
manner. More specifically, the craters created by the bombs were filled with granular
material. The Rapid Impact Compaction was applied at the top for rapid densification of
the sub surface materials and subsequent reinstatement of the airfield.

Rapid Impact Compaction typically is carried out by numerous compaction phases and
passes depending on the project specification criteria as well as the pre- treatment soil
formations. The Rapid Impact Compaction procedures are established through trials
based on which the optimum compaction parameters are defined.

The Rapid Impact Compaction method utilizes dynamic energy which is transferred by
a hydraulic hammer dropping from a pre-determined height on to a steel patented foot
(plate) which resting on the ground. The hydraulic driving hammer is mounted on a
specially designed arm equipped within a heavy excavator. This procedure is constantly
repeated within the same compaction point by rapidly raise and drop the hammer on to
the plate. Drop hits per minute can vary having values 40 to 80. Such energy is
transported to the sub surface soils on a safe and efficient manner since the steel foot is
attached to the ground at all time.

More specifically, a dense plug of earth is developed beneath the compaction print as a
result of the initial hammer drops. This plug is further advanced by subsequent blows
resulting on the compaction of the deeper layers. When the compaction foot cannot
further penetrate the soil surface means that no further deep compaction can be
achieved.

Hammer weights are ranged between 7tn and 16tn. Heights of drop can also vary
between 0.3m to 1.2m. Foot diameters are having values of 1.5m to 2.5m. The
compaction locations are arranged in patterns with center to center distances between
2m and 3.5m.

The arrangement of compaction is to work from the outside in, and hence densification
of the deepest formations to initially take place. Then, compaction of the upper zone by
reducing the grid spacing is occurred. The deepest sub surface formations that require
treatment benefit by the first phase through the utilization of a comparatively wide grid
spacing and reduced foot diameter as well as appropriate drop numbers from the
maximum height. An intermediate grid is then utilized for taking care the treatment of the
middle sub surface layers. The intermediate grid is defined as the mid-point (with
increased foot diameter) of the first phase where improvement works being undertaken.
Finally, a third face may be undertaken for treating shallow/surface soil formations if
project design criteria are not yet satisfied.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

The grid arrangement of the Rapid Impact Compaction points and the other parameters
of the treatment (e.g., energy, phases, passes, number of drops per point) depend on the
characteristics of the soils and the improvement required to support the future facilities
within the settlement tolerances. The repeated weight drops resulting on ground surface
depressions (or prints). Such depressions are then backfilled by granular material either
on-site or imported.

5 Material

The Rapid Impact Compaction method densifies the loose sub surface granular soils
rapid, consistently, and with a high accuracy. The densification degree is monitored
through the settlement of fill that it is occurred. Normally, compaction is much more
effective at the center of the developed compaction point and decreases with radial
distance. Depths which Rapid Impact Compaction is applicable reaching not more than
4m.

The appropriateness of the Rapid Impact Compaction is greatly reliant on the

compaction requirements as well as specific soil properties and composition (e.g.
permeability and fine content). Compaction with the Rapid Impact Compaction method
is applicable to non-cohesive soils having fine content less than 15%.

The efficiency of Rapid Impact Compaction can reach depths ranging from 3m to 6m
depending on the local soil conditions and project requirements. Major restraint of the
Rapid Impact Compaction method is the presence of thin cohesive layers which can act
as a barrier to the impact energy which transmitted downwards resulting on depth
limitations in relation to the required compaction.

Typical compaction depths with RIC (after BRE BR458, 2003)

Within the Rapid Impact Compaction technique additional granular soil materials which
can be either in-situ or imported should be supplied. These granular material should
have the following characteristics:
 Hard, inert, free of clay and organic materials, and well graded
 Containing not more than 15% by weight passing the No. 200 sieve
 Have a maximum particle size of 100 mm

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

Above mentioned laboratory tests should be undertaken following the corresponding

ASTM standards.

6 Rapid Impact Compaction Design

Design of the Rapid Impact Compaction method should be addressed by the following:
 Grid pattern spacing
 Number of phases/passes as well as number of drops per treatment point
 Treatment depth
 Weight of the hammer
 Drop height
 Energy to be applied
 Plate (foot) Diameter
Above mentioned parameters may be altered depending on the trial test results.

6.1 Depth of Treatment

Characteristic depths that can be improved by the application of Rapid Impact

Compaction are up to 4 m. Larger depths can be enhanced (up to 6m) provided
that soils are well adapted to the following criteria and dedicated tools (16tn
hammer, 1.2m drop height etc.) are available:

 Well graded granular material with clay content less than 1%.

 Non Plastic with maximum particle size of 80mm.

6.2 Spacing

The improvement degree is mostly governed by the spacing of the Rapid Impact
Compaction works. Main objective of the Rapid Impact Compaction method is
satisfactory strength-density-incompressibility at places in between compaction
points with the least number of points (maximum spacing) to be undertaken.

The spacing of Rapid Impact Compaction points is based on the soils to be

treated. Loose soils are require smaller spacings compared to soils exhibit an
initial denser state of compaction.

The circular area of effective compaction from the point of treatment is depends
not only on soil properties but also on specific characteristics, e.g., applied
energy, hammer weight, drop height, etc.

Rapid Impact Compaction is undertaken on a pre-determined point alignment

usually following a square grid pattern with points spread out at various

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

distances usually ranged between 2 m to 3.5m. Determination of the optimum

grid is decided having completed trials where different spacings are tested.

7 Performance Control

When any of the operating criteria (such as number of drops, settlement of the foot,
influence depth) exceeds a pre-determined cut off value the whole procedure is stopped
for the particular compaction point. In case that the pre-determined values are not
reached that means that the sub surface soils at certain depths are not applicable to be
improved through the Rapid Impact Compaction method.

Soil densities are increased when the Rapid Impact Compaction is utilized. The
technical requirements are measured by the level of densification achieved against the
specified project targets.

The degree of improvement depends on a number of factors such as existing soil

density, soil grading, equipment characteristics, and experience of personnel during the
execution. In-situ penetration tests should be used for verifying compliance to project
specifications. Such tests should be undertaken on treated ground between Rapid
Impact Compaction points and may include one or more of the following (in accordance
to ASTM standards):

 Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

 Cone Penetration Test (CPT)

Before proceeding to main production works within a Rapid Impact Compaction

scheme, trial(s) is undertaken for specifying optimum parameters to be utilized leading
to considerations of proper compliance of the project specifications at a most favorable
cost. Such trials usually include few grid spacings to be tested supplemented by both
pre/post quality control tests for verifying densification of the treated soils to adequate
limits. The degree of improvement achieved for each different spacing can be utilized
for design optimization.

Control of performance within Rapid Impact Compaction works is also determined

through the trial procedures. Such control is acquired by utilizing standardized
procedures establishing hammer weights, drop heights, number of phases/passes, and
number of drops per treatment point. Those parameters can be further adjusted within
the main production works being area soil-specific.

The grading of the materials to be used for filling the depressions should be tested in
accordance to ASTM standards.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

8 Key Features of Rapid Impact Compaction

The key features within a Rapid Impact Compaction scheme are:

 Densifies the loose sub surface granular soils rapid, consistently, and with a high
accuracy.

 Applicable to granular soils having fine content less than 15% (not applicable
for soft cohesive deposits).

 Depths that can be improved by the application of Rapid Impact Compaction are
up to 4 m (larger depths can be enhanced - up to 6m - provided that soils are
well graded granular material with clay content less than 1%).

 This technique is cost and time effective when compared to other compaction
techniques within shallow to medium depths (0 to 6m).

 This method is a major substitute of loose soils excavation and re-compaction

(at layers) when considering cost and time schedule effects.

 The Rapid Impact Compaction approach (for given soil conditions) can be
utilized as a substitute to the traditional backfilling operations where fill lifts and
roller compaction are used resulting on cost and time schedule benefits.

 This technique can be utilized for compacting reclaimed granular soils of having
thickness not more than 4-6m.

 Controls vibrations to 2 inches per second within 30 feet of the drop point.

 Flying debris are not driven out.

 Increases bearing capacity, reduces settlements, and mitigates liquefaction.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

9 Specifications Compliance

Design of Rapid Impact Compaction shall include the following items:

 Objectives to be achieved in relation to technical requirements such as increased

bearing capacity, reduced settlement, and reduced liquefaction potential.

 Improved soils geotechnical properties to be achieved including density, shear

strength, stiffness, and permeability for fulfilling above mentioned technical
requirements.

 Criteria for acquiring Rapid Impact Compaction parameters such as hammer

weight, treatment depth, grid spacing, drop height, number of phases/passes, and
number of drops necessary to accomplish project technical requirements.

 Based on improved soil properties as retrieved from the post quality control tests
technical requirements of relative density, bearing capacity, settlement, and
liquefaction should be justified through calculations for each specific case/post-
test. Alternatively, goal performance lines based on properties of the treated
ground can be initially established for skipping calculations at every single post
quality control test (optional).

10 Rapid Impact Compaction Trials

Rapid Impact Compaction trials should be carried out to verify the compaction
process/compaction design parameters, the suitability of the proposed equipment and
accessories, and to confirm the competence of the soil treatment scheme.

Upon trial(s) completion a trial report should be developed including the following:

 Narrative of the treatment accomplished at the trial area.

 Assessment of the treatment test results including both the pre and post stages.

 Confirmation that project specifications have been met.

 Determination of the compaction parameters to be utilized.

Rapid Impact Compaction should be undertaken according to the approved trial method
statements and associated drawings.

The objectives of the trial installation are the following:

 Calibration of several parameters that should be used during production phase

(grid spacing, drop height, hammer weight, the number of blows per print, foot
diameter, and the number of phases/passes).

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

 Establishment of production control criteria based on penetration test results.

 Alteration of the Rapid Impact Compaction procedures, if needed, to achieve the

specified compaction parameters.

The Rapid Impact Compaction trial scheme will be as follows:

 Systematic study of the existing soil investigation information.

 Control the trial location based on worst soil profiles.

 Pre-treatment penetration tests within the trial area should be undertaken.

 Execution of Rapid Impact Compaction within grids having different spacings

(usually square).

 Post treatment penetration tests should be undertaken between compaction

points.

 The test results and assessment will be compiled into a report and conclusions
should be obtained regarding increasing or decreasing the trial grids.

11 Quality Control and Quality Assurance

An appropriate quality control procedure should be established for supervision and

monitoring. The supervision of the ground treatment through Rapid Impact
Compaction should be carried out by appropriately capable and qualified persons.

The quality procedure on the Rapid Impact Compaction comprises of the following
steps:

 Assessment of existing geotechnical information

 Trial explicit method statements and installation

 Compaction Process

 Post treatment geotechnical Investigations

 Receipt of accepted treatment works

Before Rapid Impact Compaction

Before commencing any soil treatment scheme a survey of the site should be
undertaken followed by pre-treatment penetration tests as well as appropriate soil

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

sampling. Depending on the field/lab geotechnical results, the suitable treatment

method and parameters (Grid-Spacing, Weight Hammer, Drop Height, Number of
Drops, and, Number of Phases/Passes, etc.) are assigned through a preliminary soil
improvement design which to be tested within the treatment trial.

Prior of carrying out any ground improvement in a concerned area, the following
survey/geotechnical investigations are recommended to be performed:

 Survey of existing ground levels shall be, initially, carried out within the area of
concern without which no ground improvement can be initiated.

 Pre-treatment penetration tests, usually cone penetration tests (CPT), are

undertaken in the middle of the corresponding area before beginning of any
ground treatment development to determine the nature of the subsoil and the
essential improvement method to be utilized.

 It is also recommended that above pre-treatment scheme is also reinforced by

undertaking additional exploration boreholes within the weak soil formations.

 Lab tests on samples retrieved from the exploratory boreholes shall include, but
not limited to, wet sieve analysis/hydrometer, minimum/maximum density,
strength, and carbonate content tests.

Rapid Impact Compaction Trial

For the areas where soil treatment is to be executed trials are scheduled in consideration
to the intended Rapid Impact Compaction works. Different compaction elements
should be tested to define the ideal parameters:

Rapid Impact Compaction Production Works

When the trial has confirmed that the designated practices and procedures are effective
and meet the requirements, the ground improvement by Rapid Impact Compaction is
commenced.

The subsequent matters should be checked throughout the performance of Rapid Impact
Compaction production works:

 Survey and pre-treatment penetration tests should be undertaken to determine

pre-compaction soil settings.

 Performance of Rapid Impact Compaction with satisfactory parameters elected

within the trial should be carried out.

 Post-treatment penetration tests should be undertaken.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

Testing Procedures

 Survey and pre-treatment geotechnical tests to determine the initial soil

levels/properties.

 Post treatment quality control tests including penetration and Plate Load tests.

 Post cone penetration tests (CPT) are recommended to be taken at frequencies of

1000 m2 of worked surface (unless otherwise provided within the specifications)
between two successive compaction prints.

 Post treatment cone penetration tests (CPT) should be undertaken within two
weeks after execution of compaction works for comfortably allowing the
dissipation of excess pore water pressure.

 Cone penetration tests (CPT) equipment is recommended to have a 20 tn

capacity, be self-anchoring, having a cone diameter of 45 mm, and, a penetration
velocity 2 cm/sec.

 The raw American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) data of
the post treatment cone penetration tests (CPT) should be submitted for review
and approval.

 Digital and contour plans of ground settlements/heaves should be developed.

 Based on above mentioned testing and subsequent evaluation the necessity for
either undertaking supplementary post treatment tests or additional/alternative
treatment method(s) should be decided.

 Above mentioned field/laboratory tests should be undertaken following the

corresponding ASTM standards.

12 Reporting

The following documents should be developed before beginning Rapid Impact

Compaction soil treatment:

 Preliminary Rapid Impact Compaction design including calculations of

settlements, bearing capacities, and liquefaction (if needed) of both the
pre-soil treatment and the assumed post-soil treatment stages.

 Trial/Calibration reports including post treatment calculations based on the

actual post quality control tests in relation to bearing capacity, settlement, and
liquefaction on site-structure basis.

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Document Responsibility: Geotechnical Standards Committee SABP-Q-014
Issue Date: 8 June 2017
Next Planned Update: TBD Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)

 Method statements of main works of soil improvement (including quality

procedures and inspection tests plan) including various areas to be treated and
corresponding methods to be applied (e.g. shop drawings showing layout, etc.).

 On completion of overall soil improvement program, detailed reports

(corresponding to each different area/method used) including post quality
control tests and their analysis.

Revision Summary
8 June 2017 New Saudi Aramco Best Practice that establishes guidelines and recommendations of the
design and quality control activities required for Rapid Impact Compaction ground
improvement works.

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