Lessons Learned from Case Histories of Dynamic Compaction at Municipal Solid Waste Sites
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 5
Abstract
Dynamic compaction (DC) has an extensive performance record on municipal solid waste (MSW) sites. A database of 56 test sites has been developed and analyzed to garner lessons on the performance of DC on MSW sites. Analysis of the data indicates that the depth of improvement in MSW is shallower than the depth of improvement in cohesionless soils with values of the empirical parameter, , for MSW commonly on the order of . DC results in a denser waste matrix that increases the stiffness of the waste by a factor of 2.8–24 compared with its unimproved state and results in reduction of waste compression upon load application. The achieved higher density and more stable structure of the MSW result in a lower rate and amount of long-term settlement. Limited studies indicate that DC is an effective technique to reduce settlements. Surface wave seismic methods represent an attractive method to assess the depth of improvement. Vibrations induced by DC are attenuated faster in MSW than in inorganic soils.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 5 • May 2013
Pages: 738 - 751
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 26, 2011
Accepted: Jul 3, 2012
Published online: Aug 1, 2012
Published in print: May 1, 2013
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