TERRANOTES

A Ground Improvement Update from TerraSystems

GROUND VIBRATIONS WITH DYNAMIC COMPACTION

During the past 10 to 15 years, dynamic compaction has become an increasingly popular technique for
densifying uncontrolled fills and loose natural deposits. Dynamic compaction is highly cost effective in
urban areas with relatively high land values. The procedure involves dropping a heavy steel weight from
heights of up to 80 feet over the land surface to be compacted. An undesirable feature of dynamic
compaction, however, is the generation of ground vibrations caused by the dropping weight.

Ground vibrations can be potentially damaging to adj acent structures in addition to being annoying to people.
It is therefore important that vibration monitoring be performed whenever dynamic compaction is performed
in close proximity to structures.

For many years the limiting peak particle Figure1

velocity for damage threshold was Frequency Dependent Vibration Criteria
considered to be 2 inches per second. In (U.S.Bureau of Mines, 1980)
1980 the U. S.Bureau of Mines re-evaluated
the threshold values and revised the threshold
in

in
1.0

0.1
10.
0
values to be frequency dependent. It was

1i
n
DI

0.0
found that the lower the frequency, the lower SP
LA
CE
the damage threshold. Figure 1, which was M
EN
n/sec)

published by the Bureau, is now considered T

industry standard.
PARTICLE VELOCITY (i

2i
n/sec

The vibration levels generated by dynamic in

08
compaction are low frequency vibrations, 1.0 0.0
generally in the range of 5 to 20 Hz. As
in
Dr
ywal
l0.
75i
n/sec
01
0.0
Figure 1 illustrates, the peak particle Pl
ast
er 0.
50 i
n/sec
velocities in this frequency range should be
n
maintained below 0. 5 inches per second to 3i
0.0
prevent damage to nearby structures with
plaster walls and 0. 75 inches per second for
drywall construction. These limiting values
may be overly conservative given that the 0.1
1 10 100
duration of vibrations induced by dynamic
compaction are very short. More damage VIBRATION FREQUENCY (Hertz)
occurs when steady state vibrations, such as
are caused by vibratory pile drivers, are used.

TERRASYSTEM S
IN C O R P O R A T E D
Fortunately, the amplitudes of ground Figure 2
vibrations dampen with distance from the Summary of Dynamic Compaction Vibration Experience
point of impact. Figure 21 is a summary of (Mayne, 1985)
peak particle velocities from 12 dynamic DISTANCE FROM IMPACT
(meters)
compaction sites, using weights varying from 2 5 10 20 50 100
4to 40 tons and drop heights of 5 to 100 feet.
A safe upper limit from this data is:
5.
0

75 1.7 100

PPV = ( )
d 50 2.
0

where PPV is in inches per second and d is in

PEAK PARTICLE VELOCITY (mm/sec)

1.
0
feet.

PEAK PARTICLE VELOCITY (ips)

0.
5
The same data set was used to develop a 10
scaled distance versus the peak particle
velocity. The scaled distance is defined as 5 0.
2
the ratio of the square root of the energy per
drop to the distance from the point of impact. 0.
1
The safe upper limit expression is:
[ ]
1.7

where PPV is in inches per second, d and H 1

PPV(in/sec) =
75
d(ft) 0.
05

[ ]
1.7
153
PPV(mm/sec) =
1.
7 d(m)
WH
PPV = 8 ( ) 0.
5 0.
02

d
are in feet and W is in tons. 10 20 50 100 200 500

DISTANCE FROM IMPACT

(f
eet)
If vibration levels are anticipated to cause
off-site problems, isolation trenches can be dug between the point of impact and the area to be protected. The
vibration levels can be reduced by factors of 2 to 10, depending upon such factors as the soil type, the depth
of the trench and the position of the weight dropping to the trench.

In summary, it is important to consider the effect of vibration produced by dynamic compaction on off-site
structures. However, even in built-up areas, it is generally possible to utilize dynamic compaction with a
careful program of vibration monitoring, possibly in conjunction with isolation trenches.

If you would like more information concerning dynamic compaction or if you have a site where dynamic
compaction may be applicable, please give us a call.

1
Mayne, P.W ., "Ground Vibrations During Dynamic Compaction", Presented at the ASCE Soil Dynamics Committee
Convention in Detroit, MI, October, 1985.

39565 Cottage Grove Lane

Lovettsville,VA 20180
TERRASYSTEM S 540-882-4130
IN C O R P O R A T E D
FAX:540-882-3866

DYNAMIC COMPACTION • W ICK DRAINS • VIBROCOMPACTION • STONE COLUMNS • TERRAPIERS