A study into the 'low energy' dynamic compaction of soil based on a new compaction apparatus originally designed for the fast repair of bomb damaged airfield runways is being carried out. The apparatus has also been adapted for civilian applications. The purpose of the study is to establish the feasibility of installing instrumentation on the compactor foot to enable the improvement of the stiffness of the soil to be continuously monitored during the compaction process. Depth of improvement may also be monitored with the proposed technique. It is the intention that this monitor will increase the efficiency of the apparatus by eliminating the possibility of compacting more than necessary, and improve engineers' confidence in the technique as a viable alternative to other methods of ground improvement. The validity of the system is being evaluated by comparing measured stiffness and depth of improvement, with values obtained using conventional site investigation techniques.
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