The compaction process can be optimized using an advanced GPS logging system. Using an advanced data logger located inside the cabin, the operator of the RIC rig can easily adjust the compaction energy in terms of the dropping height and the number of blows. He can also record the cumulative settlement, the settlement per blow and the applied energy.

The rapid impact compactor as a means of quickly repairing damage runways. It works by imparting dynamic energy through a falling 'drop-weight, which is dropped from a controlled height onto a patented foot. 

With heights of 9 to 12 tones applied to the foot , the 'drop-weights' falls from relatively short height of only 1.2 meters at a rate of 40 to 60 times a minute. 

Effective compaction depths vary with the nature of hte soil compacted, but depth of up to 8m have been reached with a 9t rig.

This results in The Rapid Impact Compactor transferring energy to the ground in a significantly more effective manner as the 'foot' stays in contact with the surface, never actually leaving the ground. It is because of this impacting sequence that we can ensure that the transfer of energy into the ground is carried out in the most efficient way possible.

The selection of the compaction method (DC or RIC) and plant type for a particular project, will depend on ground and groundwater conditions, and requirements for design and execution. Each system has merits and limitations. It is important that these are understood and considered in the design and application of DC/RIC on a particular site and in the context of the prevailing ground conditions. Indeed, it may be necessary for more than one technique to be employed at a particular site to gain maximum benefit.

Typically, the RIC method is used for the treatment of essentially granular fills in order to improve their geotechnical properties (stiffness and bearing capacity) and to reduce settlement. RIC design firstly involves geotechnical characterisation of the soils to be treated, with emphasis placed on quantifying in-situ relative density and grading characteristics. Groundwater level is an important factor for consideration of suitability of the RIC method as shallow groundwater level can act as a hydraulic barrier reducing effective energy transfer to the fill materials. However, it is the “compaction trial” (discussed under testing and quality control), which provides the designer with the necessary information to permit refinement of the design. With ground improvement techniques involving surface impact such as RIC there cannot be direct control of treatment depth, as would be the case with vibro stone columns. A critical element of RIC design therefore is the depth to which a particular treatment is effective.

With RIC the total energy input will have a major influence on the depth of compaction. With the rapid impact compactor the energy per blow is very much smaller than conventional DC and the fixed energy per blow of typically 8.4 t.m is not the major influence on the depth of compaction due to the progressive top down improvement of the treated ground. Of much greater significance to the effective depth of compaction is the number of blows at a compaction point or the energy applied overall to the ground surface. For typical impact spacing, 35 blows will impart about 170 tonne.m/m2 of energy. This level of energy input has produced significant compaction to depths between 3 and 4 m in non-engineered generally granular fill and up to about 3 m in natural sand and silty soils using a 7 t hammer. 

The RIC mainly consists of three impact components: the impact “foot”, the driving cap and the hammer with the falling weight. The impact foot is a steel foot with a diameter of 1.5 m. It remains in contact with the ground the whole time. The driving cap connected to the foot allows for articulation. The impact foot, driving cap and falling weight are connected to a unit, the so-called hammer rig.