INFLUENCE OF PLANNING AND DESIGN ON SOIL COMPACTION IN CONSTRUCTION SITES

The influence of planning and design on soil compaction was analysed a t 17 construction sites randomly selected in the suburbs of Copenhagen , Denmark. Soil compaction was estimated by bulk densities, and sampli ng sites were located inside and outside construction areas. Bulk dens ities were taken at the soil surface and down to a depth of 1.0 m at 0 .1-m intervals. Organising and planning inputs at construction sites w ere assessed by studying work specifications, supported by subsequent interviews. On the basis of this classification, it was determined whe ther or not planning and design had an influence on soil compaction in planting areas. Unexpectedly, no significant differences regarding so il compaction were found between types of contracting, whether landsca pe architects were involved or not, or between different qualities of work specifications. The absence of differences is believed to be caus ed by unintended soil compaction, which is a result of construction si te traffic occurring on areas not meant for traffic, i.e., areas meant for planting. To prevent unintended soil compaction, it is suggested that the entire construction area be divided into zones. Zoning will c ontrol the construction traffic patterns more efficiently. Landscape p lanning, design and specifications should be carried out with respect to these zones. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.