Types Of Compaction Equipment

Soil compaction is a method of preventing soil settlement and frost damage, reducing water seepage and increasing the density of soil, which can be performed using a variety of compaction tools. The compaction tools are an essential part in establishing solid work foundations. There are many types of compaction equipment and which one will be used depends on the available space, soil type and its moisture condition. This information will lead you to the right type of compaction equipment and method to use. In addition, we bring you a short list of the most used compaction tools.

Wacker Rammer – The wackerrammer is a hand-operated machine and is classified as light compacting equipment used for small areas. The wackerrammer, or also known as jumping jack tamper, provides a high impact force (about 750 blows per minute), which makes it ideal for cohesive soils use. The jumping jack tamper weights from 30 to even 10,000 kg, but it isn’t recommended for compacting granular soils or asphalt. The jack tamper compacts by impact, kneading and vibration.

Smooth Drum Roller – The smooth drum roller is a compaction machine developed in 1800s and it is ideal for asphalt and soil compaction. The only disadvantage when using on asphalt is that it needs a water tank that will drip water over the drum constantly to prevent asphalt from sticking to the plate. Driven by either gas or diesel engines, the smooth drum roller is hand-operated with a handle that steers the drum and maintains control over the roller. It is heavy and is ideal for compacting pipelines, backfill, bridge approaches and paths.

Vibratory Plate Compactor – The vibratory plate compactor is a big soil compactor which varies in terms of weight. It usually weights from 100 kg to 2 tons. This makes it perfect for asphalt compaction as it can provide more than 5,000 vibrations in one minute. The vibratoryplatecompactor is driven be either gasoline or diesel engines and compacts the soil while in motion.

Pad Foot Roller – The pad foot roller is a suitable machine that features a hydraulic or hydrostatic operation. The padfoot roller is powered by diesel engine and it can be operated using remote control or manually. It is perfect when dry, crush or knead soil is needed to eliminate water and air voids. The pad foot roller is used for high productivity.

Multi Tyre Roller – The multi tyre roller is used to knead and dye as it provides a horizontal and vertical pressure over the soil. The multi tyred roller is used to create a denser surface but it is also used on asphalt surfaces to seal surfaces and closing stress fractures created by heavier compaction equipment. The multi wheel roller can weight from 5 to 25 tons.