Soil compaction
Soil compaction is the removal of pore spaces within soil structures and drainage channels between soil structures. This inhibits root penetration and the movement of air and water in soil. Ref The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations, DETR 2013.
Soil compaction can be purposeful (intentional) or consequential (unintentional) such as settlement that might occur due to vehicle movement.
Intentional soil compaction produces an increase in soil density and a decrease in air volume without producing a decrease in water content. It can improve shear strength, stiffness, bearing capacity and stability, reducing settlement and frost heave. This may be necessary in the construction of bases for highways, embankments and so on, or to create a suitable level base for the construction of a building. Existing soil can be compacted, or layers of new soil can be compacted, taking a site to the required level.
For effective compaction to take place, there must be a mixture of particle sizes so that smaller particles can fill the voids between larger particles. Soils with smooth, spherical particles are easier to compact than soils with irregular particles, although their load-bearing capacity can be lower.
Soils are typically categorised as cohesive soils, granular soils or mixed soils. Cohesive soils can be compacted effectively by impact, such as by rammers or sheepsfoot rollers (tamping rollers). Granular soils can be compacted effectively by vibratory plates and smooth-drum vibratory rollers.
The use of vibrating or oscillating rollers is sometimes referred to as dynamic compaction.
Excessive compaction can lead to soils breaking down and separating. This can cause compacted layers to weaken.
See also: Vibro-compaction.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bearing capacity.
- Excavation.
- Geophysical survey.
- Geotechnical engineering.
- Ground conditions.
- Ground heave.
- Ground improvement techniques.
- Ground investigation.
- Ground investigation.
- Groundworks.
- Insitu testing of soils.
- Made ground.
- Soil report.
- Trial pit.
- Types of plant.
- Types of soil.
- Vibro-compaction.
Featured articles and news
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.