Can compaction be used for warehouse developments?
Yes, provided the soil conditions are suitable.
Warehouse and logistics developments often impose high loads while requiring strict control of total and differential settlements. For this reason, compaction is frequently used where loose granular soils, reclamation fills or hydraulic fills are present.
Compaction is often most successful where shallow foundations or raft foundations are just above the allowable deformation limits. In these situations, an increase in soil density and stiffness can provide sufficient improvement to meet the project requirements without resorting to more expensive deep foundation solutions.
The CDC technique is particularly attractive for many warehouse developments because its depth of influence often coincides with the primary load distribution zone beneath foundations and floor slabs. By densifying the soil within this critical stress zone, CDC can significantly improve bearing capacity and settlement behaviour.
By increasing soil density, compaction improves stiffness, bearing capacity and load-settlement performance. This can reduce foundation costs and improve the long-term performance of pavements, loading yards, parking areas and access roads.
Where very stringent floor tolerances apply, particularly for heavily loaded warehouses, automated storage systems or structures with strict differential settlement requirements, alternative or complementary ground improvement methods may be more suitable. The most appropriate solution ultimately depends on the soil conditions, loading requirements, construction schedule and allowable settlements.
