Evaluation of resonance compaction of sand fills based on cone penetration tests Available to Purchase

A case history in which a 14 m thick sand fill was compacted by the resonance compaction method is presented. The execution of the resonance compaction method (equipment and process) is described in detail. In this method, a heavy vibrator is mounted on top of a purpose-built compaction probe that has large openings in the wall to minimise its mass, as low mass enhances compaction. The vibration amplification effect, which occurs when the vibrator–probe–soil system is operated at system frequency, results in an enhanced compaction effect and reduced compaction time. The results of field trials where the compaction effect was measured in terms of ground settlement (compression) and cone penetration tests (CPTs) are reported. The increase in cone stress and sleeve friction was measured 2 d and 7 d following compaction. An important aspect of deep vibratory compaction is a permanent increase in the horizontal effective stress, which is reflected by the change in sleeve friction after compaction. Based on CPT results, it is possible to determine the modulus number and preconsolidation stress, which is needed for settlement analyses according to the tangent modulus method.