Posted on November 1, 2023
Last week, three new Junttan Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) machines were received by Van Oord’s subsidiary Wicks. The addition of this latest generation of state-of-the-art equipment into Wicks’ fleet will not only augment Wicks power and performance but also promote sustainability and energy efficiency.
Rapid Impact Compaction
RIC is a soil compaction technique that employs a hydraulic hammer to densify shallow, granular soils by repeatedly striking an impact plate on the ground surface. It is widely recognised as one of the most cost-efficient and fastest compaction techniques for reclamations up to 8 metres depth. RIC has gained immense popularity in the Middle East and Asia, where the new machines will have their home base for Van Oord projects worldwide.
Sustainability goals
Van Oord is constantly looking for innovative solutions that enable it to work sustainably. This investment is an important step towards one of Van Oord’s sustainability goals: achieving net-zero emissions. Compared to Wicks’ existing RIC fleet, the new machines boast a staggering 78% increase in power coupled with several innovations in hammer technology, controls and digital integration that elevate their efficiency beyond that of similar equipment, both in terms of production and fuel consumption. For example, the new machines consume 13% less fuel per compacted cubic meter leading to significant fewer carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions during the project execution.
Mollo Spijkstra, General Manager Wicks – Guido Freitag, Commercial Manager Wicks – Michiel van Es, Managing Director Junttan B.V.
‘This latest generation of Wicks Compaction Hammers underlines Van Oord’s and Wicks commitment to provide market leading, cost efficient ground improvement solutions while taking a step closer to the net-zero emissions target of Van Oord.’
— Guido Freitag, Commercial Manager at Wicks
About Wicks
The new equipment will be managed by Wicks, an international ground treatment contractor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Van Oord. Wicks specialises in soil improvement technologies with core activities in vertical drainage, horizontal deep drainage and soil compaction.
