A Systematic Framework for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Dynamic Compaction (DC) Technology for Soil Improvement Projects Using Cone Penetration Test Data

Abstract

Despite recent innovations in soil improvement techniques, it remains difficult for project managers to select the most appropriate technique for soil improvement projects due to the lack of a reliable and systemic framework that may support the decision-making process. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to introduce a new systematic assessment framework that establishes reliable criteria for the selection of dynamic compaction (DC) technology, evaluates its effectiveness using Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data, and predicts the expected improvement in soil bearing capacity (Qc). The proposed framework uses zone-based soil categorization in conjunction with soil behavior type index (Ic) and CPT data to predict the expected improvement in soil bearing capacity after the implementation of the DC technique. In addition, a case study is used to highlight the applicability and the effectiveness of the proposed framework in evaluating the suitability of the DC technique and in predicting the expected improvement in the bearing capacity of soil. The results show that the DC technique is appropriate when the soil has a behavior type index of Ic ≤ 1.31, 1.31 < Ic ≤ 2.05, 2.05 < Ic ≤ 2.6, 2.6 < Ic ≤ 2.95 and Ic > 2.95, and the expected improvement in soil bearing-capacity (Qc) is within the range of [+20, +∞], [15–20], [5–15], [1–5] and [0–1] MPa, respectively.