Analysis of Factors Affecting the Performance of Dynamic Compaction Technique: A Study of Coastal Area of Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Coastal areas of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia have soil with low bearing capacity due to saturation with water, high contents of salt and inclusion of organic materials. The dynamic compaction (DC) technique, which is the most prevalent method for soil improvement in the area has not been effective in terms of cost, safety, and serviceability of the buildings. Thus, this paper aims to identify and assess the factors that prevent the efficient soil improvement performance using dynamic compaction technique. The desktop search and expert-based survey were used for data collection while the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to analyze and prioritize the factors. The results indicate "difficulty in using the DC technique within 30m from buildings and 15m from underground services" as the most crucial factor. Above all, the practical and managerial implications implied in this paper are targeting a more efficient DC technique for soil improvement particularly in coastal areas of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia with expansive spread of Sabkha soil. Thus, the findings are expected to provide support to policy and decision makers in overcoming the performance shortfalls of DC technique.