What is HEIC?
What is High Energy Impact Compaction (HEIC)?
When confronted with complex soil conditions, traditional deep foundations may not always be the most practical or cost-effective solution. The team at Landpac Asia-Pacific’s expertise lies in challenging locations, encompassing both natural and compacted soil conditions, where ground improvement serves as a viable alternative.
High Energy Impact Compaction (HEIC) relies drums striking the ground surface that transmit high energy impacts and compact the ground. The steel HEIC twin drums are Cam (3 sided) or Pentagonal (5 sided) shaped. The weight of the different twin drum assemblies normally ranges from 10 to 14 tonne and drop heights of up to 230mm are used, during HEIC rotations. As with conventional roller compaction, ground treatment is achieved by applying HEIC in multiple passes. The number of passes depends on ground conditions, the targeted level of compaction, compactor shape and compactor weight.
Soils are compacted by repeated, systematic application of high energy using specifically shaped heavy (non-circular) twin drum impact roller assemblies. The imparted energy is transmitted from the ground surface to the deeper soil layers by propagating shear and compression waves, which rearrange the soil particles forcing them into a denser state while expelling maximum air voids. To assure effective transfer of the applied energy, optimum speeds of the HEIC process of 12km/hr are critical. The result being an efficient compaction of surface fills reducing the number of layers to be compacted when compared with conventional roller compaction techniques.
HEIC can reduce surface corrugations and potholes that develop over time. It effectively compacts loose or slippery surface materials, enhancing stability and safety. Furthermore, HEIC excels at crushing large rocks with sharp edges, addressing issues related to tip heads, tailing dam walls, and waste dumps. By reducing the size of rocks in their current positions, HEIC eliminates the need for their relocation, thereby saving valuable time, effort, and resources.
The Benefits
There are a variety of benefits that come from utilising HEIC in land reclamation and/or civil infrastructure projects. Some of the more typical benefits include:
- The use of HEIC allows for maximum dry density to be achieved at moisture levels below Optimum Moisture Content (OMC). Compaction between 2-4% below OMC is possible, which results in an estimated 40-60% saving in water.
- The increased depth of influence in in-situ compaction may eliminate the need to excavate and replace material in thin layers.
- Compaction of a wide range of materials, which leads to the improvement of on-site materials, thus reducing the need for imported materials to create a workable base for projects.
- Increased rockfill layers with HEIC not only improves the strength profile and increases productivity, but also has the added benefit in reducing the amount of crushing required to reduce the maximum particle size.
- Reduction in asphalt thicknesses due to increased bearing strength achieved through deep in-situ compaction and improved compaction of layers.
- Better quality control techniques resulting in improved accuracy and an increased number of correlated results leading to a reduction in the time required to test along with the timeliness of result availability.
- Increased operating speeds coupled with thicker lift compaction allows impact compactors to compact up to 10 times more volume than conventional plant.
- Effective depths of improvement by HEIC can be as deep as 3m to 5m below the surface, depending on the material.
HEIC proves particularly valuable in the face of today’s mining challenges. Material and budget constraints often hinder projects from being completed within the designated schedule and budget. However, HEIC circumvents these limitations by working on naturally occurring voids, eliminating the need to excavate and replace fill. This approach enables faster and more efficient work, facilitating timely project completion.
In addition to the technical advantages, HEIC also prioritises safety and environmental considerations. When adverse soil conditions are detected that pose risks to people or the environment, HEIC allows for compaction without disturbing or unearthing the underlying soil, ensuring the safety of communities while providing essential infrastructure.
Why choose HEIC?
High Energy Impact Compaction of in-situ soils is a widely employed approach in geotechnical engineering, offering effective solutions to various foundation issues. This technique serves multiple purposes, including enhancing soil strength to elevate the bearing capacity of foundations and stabilise slopes and excavations under both static and dynamic loading conditions. Moreover, it aids in increasing soil stiffness, thereby minimising overall deformations, differential settlements, and potential damages caused by static, cyclic, or dynamic loads. By implementing HEIC methods, geotechnical engineers can achieve a general improvement in the properties of heterogeneous soil deposits. Ultimately, this approach significantly contributes to overcoming foundation challenges and ensures the stability and optimal performance of structures across diverse geotechnical conditions.
Why choose Landpac?
Landpac Asia-Pacific is a renowned company specialising in ground improvement solutions, particularly in mining applications, by utilising HEIC techniques. With a comprehensive range of Impact Compactor models and a wealth of technical expertise and experience, we have established ourselves as a market leader, catering to the needs of the mining and construction industries.
We pride ourselves on our ability to provide practical and cost-effective solutions. Boasting in-house geotechnical expertise and a team of skilled personnel who work diligently to ensure the successful implementation of projects. For over 35 years, Landpac Asia-Pacific has been at the forefront of delivering ground improvement solutions and providing impact compaction services throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. We have consistently demonstrated our ability to tackle challenging projects in compressible and unstable sub-grades, offering reliable and efficient solutions to our valued clients.
When it comes to haul road improvements or the preparation of tailing dam bases or walls, Landpac stands out as the leading choice in the industry. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your specific challenges, goals, and budget constraints. With this information, we will provide tailored recommendations and guidance to ensure that you receive the most suitable and effective solution for your haul road or tailing dam project.
When you choose Landpac, you not only benefit from our technical expertise and extensive industry knowledge but also our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. We prioritize clear communication, transparency, and collaboration throughout the entire process. Don’t settle for subpar solutions or services. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and explore the possibilities that await you.
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