The Use of The Soil Compactor

Depending on construction needs, compaction is often times necessary. What is compaction? This is the practice of flattening the ground to achieve a specific ground density. The required ground density may vary from project to project, but this technique is usually utilized to prepare the ground for the laying of foundation. Any ground based structure, from benches to skyscrapers, needs a stable ground for them to stand erect and intact for a good while. Because of this, tools are constructed over the years to improve compacting techniques. And the tools that are at the forefront of making the ground a viable place for construction is the soil compactor.

As the name suggests, this compactor is specially constructed for use in the soil. You might just think that flattening the ground seems to be so easy that there’s no need for the use of specialized equipment. But that statement cannot be farther from the truth. Truth is, it takes a good amount of pressure for the ground to be compacted. And for each type of soil, there are compactors that work better than most. To get better perspective on how important it is to pick the compactor most well suited for the job, we’ll tell you about the different types of compactors available on the market today.

Arguably the most common form of soil compactor is the roller. The main component of this type of compactor is the roller, an oversized wheel that puts great pressure on the ground, causing it to compress and harden. The wheel may vary in size and weight, and it can be made of a pneumatic or a full steel one. This type of compactor is at its most effective when compressing thin layered soil. At times, the wheels contain feet and/or spikes on the wheels to enhance soil penetration.

Another popular form of the compactor is the vibration type compactor. In contrast to the roller in which the weight of the tool is the only means of applying pressure to the ground, this uses strong vibrating forces transmitted via a flat plate pressing against the ground. Its force relies on frequency and amplitude, perfect for granular soils and asphalt surfaces.

Impact type compactors are those that use strong impact and contact to flatten the ground. Because of the intense nature of its action, it is best used for soils that have high cohesion. A good example of an impact compactor is the rammer. Other types of impact contractors include those that utilize vibrating rollers.

Compacting the soil has a lot of tangible benefits. Not only can it stabilize the ground for foundation purposes, but both swelling and damage from weather can be prevented. This is the reason why choosing the right soil compactor is extremely crucial for those who want to build anything on a solid, stable ground. Depending on the land surface as well as the requirements of your project, you can pick and choose any of the types of soil compactors available on the market today.