Rapid Impact Compaction. Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) is a soil improvement technique used to treat loose granular soil soils and permit shallow spread footing construction. The RIC technique applies impact energy to the ground surface resulting in densification of loose granular soils to a depth of up to 15 feet. The impact energy is applied using a hydraulic (typically) ram with a drop weight (4-8 tons) falling on an impact plate in a designed pattern. Source: Hayward Baker Follow us! @engine