AGM & Technical Presentation: Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC)
For this event there will be both a technical presentation and the AGS SA-NT Chapter AGM. At the completion of the RIC presentation the AGM will be held. We encourage all members to attend the AGM to hear from the outgoing Chair Steve (Xiyang) Chen, the Treasurer’s Report and the finalisation of the 2023 committee. This will also be an opportunity to voice any suggestions for presentations, seminars or other AGS SA-NT Activities for the future.
Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) is an intermediate form of dynamic ground improvement between surface treatment by impact roller, and deep treatment, by Deep Dynamic Compaction or Vibro-compaction. RIC offers the opportunity to address compaction issues in the upper 4-5m in a relatively quick and cost-effective manner for a wide range of ground conditions. The bespoke RIC unit, with a falling mass generally between 7t and12t, is attached to a standard 35-50t excavator, thus requiring minimal working platform preparation. With a blow rate of 40-60 drops per minute, and treatment spacings of around 2.5m to 3.5m, the productivity is relatively high. The presentation illustrates the technique, example applications, design issues, quality control aspects and sets the scene for future potential sites to be treated with RIC in South Australia and further afield.
Derek Avalle Senior Engineer (CPEng, NER), Broons Group Pty Ltd
Derek Avalle has over 40 years’ experience in geotechnical consulting and contracting. He was involved with Keller Australia’s first local RIC project at Alexandria in NSW. He started his career at Adelaide University as a research assistant, and then worked with Dr Peter Mitchell for many years before relocating to Sydney and then to the UK for eight years. He returned in 2003 to work for Broons, joining Keller Australia for nearly 10 years, and now with Broons once again.
Louis Du Plessis Geotechnical Engineer (PrEng), Associate Director at Eco Elementum (Pty) Ltd
Louis Du Plessis is a professionally registered geotechnical engineer with 15 years’ experience in design and construction supervision works. He has worked on all aspects of this discipline with regards to the inspection, analysis and design of waste storage facilities, slope stability, lateral support for deep excavations, shallow and deep foundations, ground improvement, dam foundations, pavements, materials, impact compaction, geosynthetics, waste barrier systems and geotechnical investigations. He has a keen interest in ground improvement techniques, specifically compaction to intermediate depths (≤5m).
Braam Compion Managing Director, RIC Australia Pty Ltd
Braam Compion, Managing Director of RIC Australia: RIC Australia and their sister company RIC Africa have carried out projects in Australia, in several African countries and in the Middle East. Braam is a Professional Civil Engineering Technologist with 28 years’ experience who specialises in water and waste water process engineering, project management in wastewater treatment works, pumping stations, bulk sewer networks, tunnelling and other civil water retaining structures. In 2006 Braam started a Specialist Geotechnical Construction Company, RIC Africa (Pty) Ltd. In 2016, RIC Australia was established. Since then the companies have grown in leaps and bounds, completing over 140 projects
Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.