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Compaction Equipment

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

Types of Compaction Equipment

See Compaction EquipmentBack to Concrete Tools