K2A Rapid Impact Compaction

RIC is an acronym that stands for Rapid Impact Compaction. It involves a machine, an excavator, a 50 tonne excavator, that has a purpose-built attachment that undertakes what is called Rapid Impact Compaction. Its purpose is to, basically compact loose materials in the ground underneath where we are trying to build the road. The design for the site and, based on the fact that we are building on an old landfill site, requires that we undertake RIC at about 2 metre centres. It’s not a common construction technique and in fact this is a first for Cairns. This type of equipment and machinery has not been in this region before.