Understanding Compaction
Proper compaction is a vital step in any construction project. Compaction increases bearing capacity of soil while preventing soil movement due to settling and freeze/thaw cycles. It is important to understand the difference in soils and ground layers when choosing your compactor, rammer tamper or roller.
Common Types of Soil
| Cohesive Soil |
Clay and silt particles stick together and require a high impact force and proper moisture content to compact material effectively. Rammer tampers are ideal for delivering a high impact force required to compact cohesive soils. |
| Granular Soil |
Soil that consists of sand, gravel, and rockfill need the high-energy compaction of a plate compactor. Maximum compaction can generally be achieved regardless of moisture content. |
| Asphalt |
Compaction is required to transform a loose asphalt mix into a compact, load-bearing surface. Water helps machines to compact asphalt and leave a smooth surface. Asphalt plate compactors and duplex rollers have water reservoirs to ensure adequate water flow |