Compaction equipment are tools used to compact or compress different material at a work site. Different tools are used in different construction sites for varied reasons, like the compaction of waste around the work area before disposal or compress the loose soil at the site before commencing actual construction work.
The most common use of compaction equipment is the compression of loose soil at the work site. It is therefore essential to note that the type of soil is the most important consideration when selecting the most effective type of gear to be used. This is because every single soil type has its own different and unique specifications. The different soil types to be compacted are mainly categorized as per their grain size. Therefore, the effectiveness of the tools you use is entirely determined by the soil type.
There are three main categories of soil types that are considered when choosing the most appropriate tool, i.e. granular, cohesive and organic soil types. Cohesive soils have the smallest grain size and are more tightly bound hence require minimal force from the equipment. On the other hand, granular soils have larger grain sizes and as a result are more spaced, they therefore require a stronger equipment with a greater force.
The Rammer
This is the first type of these equipment used by many constructors. The rammer is designed to offer a high impact force. It is hence the most effective compaction equipment to employ for cohesive and semi-cohesive soil types in a work area. It has a frequency range of about 500 to 700 blows per minute hence offering maximum condensation. It normally consists of a small diesel or gasoline engine powering a large piston with a set of two springs. Rammers are used for three types of compaction processes that include vibration, impact and kneading.
Forward Plate Compactor
This is a high frequency and low amplitude type of compaction equipment that is designed mainly for the granular soils in a work area. It consists of a diesel or gasoline powered engine driving one or two weights at a relatively high speed hence developing the appropriate force. The machine is fitted with a plate whose size determines the amount of condensation employed. It operates at about 2500 to 6000 vibrations per minute.
Reverse Plate Compactor
The reverse plate compactor has two eccentric plates to allow for the smooth transition between forward and reverse travel. This increases force due to the combined weight of the two eccentric weights. This machine is ideal for semi-cohesive soils due to the weight and force employed. Unlike the forward plate compactor, the reverse plate compactor can be stopped during operation to allow spot compaction.
The Rollers
There are various types of rollers. These are normally employed in road construction soil compression. Some of the common types of rollers are the walk-behind and the ride-on rollers.
For effective compaction, it is highly recommended that you analyze the soil and get the most appropriate equipment for the soil type.