Vibro Compaction (VC) Techniques

Vibro compaction (VC) improves granular soils by rearranging the grain distribution pattern using cyclic vibrations via vibroflot to compact the soils.

Vibroflotation technology or vibro compaction method is used to compact loose granular soils to increase bearing capacity; to reduce settlement; and to reduce the potential of liquefaction.

What is Vibrocompaction?

Vibrocompaction, also known as vibroflotation, is a ground improvement method that densifies granular soils such as sands and gravels by rearranging the grain distribution pattern using cyclic vibrations using a high-frequency vibrator called a vibroflot to compact the soils.

As the vibroflot vibrates within the soil, particles settle into a denser state, reducing voids and increasing bearing capacity. This technique significantly improves soil strength, reduces settlement, and reduce the potential of liquefaction.

Vibrocompaction is ideal for projects with non-cohesive soils such as loose sands, gravels, and sandy gravels where the soil contains less than 10% fines (silt or clay). Soils with higher fines content are not suitable due to their resistance to vibration.

How Vibrocompaction Works

The Role of the Vibroflot

The main tool used in Vibrocompaction is the vibroflot: a cylindrical probe ranging from 30 to 50 cm in diameter, capable of generating lateral vibrations with amplitudes between 5 to 48 mm.

The vibroflot is suspended vertically by a crane or rig and penetrates the soil under its own weight, assisted by vibration.

For denser or drier soils, jets at the bottom of the vibroflot release water, air, or both to aid insertion and enhance compaction.

Compaction Process

Insertion and Initial Penetration
The vibroflot is lowered to the desired depth. Jetting assists in reaching deeper layers.

1. Soil Densification

The probe vibrates while being surged up and down. These movements rearrange soil particles and densify the ground laterally.

2. Column Formation

A compacted column of soil, often 1.5 to 4.5 meters in diameter, is created around each compaction point. The grid spacing and overlap determine uniformity and effectiveness.

3. Surface Finishing

After compaction, the surface is leveled and prepared for construction activities.

Applications of Vibrocompaction

Vibro Compaction can be used for the foundation of various facilities such as parking lots, airport runways, roads and structures on areas reclaimed from the sea.

It is well suited for the foundation of facilities with uniformly distributed pressure onto the subsoil. It significantly reduces the settlement and leads to the unification of the foundation conditions (i.e., minimise the differential settlement).

1. Land Reclamation

Used extensively to stabilize newly reclaimed land in coastal areas, ensuring suitability for future infrastructure, buildings, or industrial development.

2. Transportation Infrastructure

Improves foundation conditions for roads, bridges, highways, railways, and airport runways. It supports embankments and minimizes differential settlement along long linear structures.

3. Industrial Platforms

Prepares large sites such as storage yards, container terminals, and logistics hubs. Ensures ground performance under uniformly distributed loads from tanks and heavy equipment.

4. Marine and Coastal Structures

Reinforces seabed and coastal soils beneath ports, breakwaters, and quay walls, allowing safe construction even in soft, saturated conditions.

Benefits of Vibrocompaction

Enhanced Load-Bearing Capacity

By increasing soil density, vibrocompaction strengthens the subsoil and allows it to support heavier structures without additional deep foundation systems.
Reduction of Settlements

Densification reduces post-construction settlement and helps achieve uniform ground conditions, especially valuable for structures sensitive to differential movement.
Effective Anti-Liquefaction Treatment

In seismic zones, vibrocompaction reduces the risk of liquefaction by tightening loose sandy layers, allowing them to remain stable during earthquake shaking.
Stabilisation of Hydraulic Embankments
Limitation of Active Earth Pressure Acting on a Quay

Why Choose Menard Asia for Vibrocompaction

1. Regional Expertise and Proven Results

2. Integrated Ground Improvement Solutions

We offer vibrocompaction as a standalone solution or in combination with other ground improvement solutions to optimize performance across varied soil conditions.