Deep dynamic compaction is the process of introducing multiple rounds of high energy impacts to ground level using steel tampers of 6 to 30 tons and dropping them from heights of 30 to 100 feet. This creates a shock wave that increases and improves the density of the soil, with depths of improvement ranging from 20 to 30 feet being commonly achieved. 

The degree of soil improvement depends on the total amount of energy applied to the soil; the more energy imparted to the soil, the greater the level of improvement. The depth of improvement is correlated to impact intensity, which is the product of the weight and the drop height.

Dynamic compaction is usually performed over a grid pattern to ensure consistency. The grid spacing, number of drops per impact point, drop height, and total number of passes is dependent on the site-specific conditions.

Advantages include suitability of application for many soil types (predominantly granular in nature with lower minus 200 percentages), creation of relatively uniform density within the improved area, cost efficiency, and extensive history of applications in practice.