Design of dynamic compaction on landfills

Dynamic compaction is a ground improvement technique currently used to reduce void space, increase density and reduce long term settlement in soils. It has been used with varying success as a treatment for landfill deposits. Thirteen case studies have been evaluated to assess the success of dynamic compaction on unengineered landfills.

The results suggest that current dynamic compaction design practices tend to overestimate the treatment depth achieved. A damping of input energy due to a cohesive component in the landfill as well as the presence of groundwater in the treatment zone are presented as possible explanations. Based on back analysis of available data, modified design constants are suggested for unengineered landfill deposits.