Creating a solid foundation is an essential process before starting a wide range of projects. This type of work is achieved using one of the many compaction tools. They are very effective at removing air voids from the soil, which leaves the ground more dense and able to accept the higher load. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common tools to compact soil:
One of the Jumping Jack Vibratory Rammer most used tools is the tamping rammer. They can operate with a gas or electric engine. It is a walk-behind tool that is very useful for the many types of cohesive soils, such as silt or clay. The tamping rammer is a versatile tool that makes it very easy to use close to a wall or in tight corners. The bottom plate for compacting is typically in the region of 11 x 13 inches. However, there are also smaller models to fit in the tight spaces. The weight of the tool is a further thing that needs to be considered. Any tool with the ability to deliver about 3, 250 pounds of force per square foot is usually enough to reach the desired level of compaction. The gas-powered unit is the most versatile and useful in the remote locations. The tools with an electric motor will need a nearby electrical outlet or a generator to operate.
The plate compactor is a great option for someone planning to work on granular soil, such as dirt, sand or gravel with plenty of aggregate material mixed in. It is a very effective tool at removing air pockets to leave the ground surface extremely compact. The standard plate compactor will operate in a single direction. If the soil isn’t compact enough after the first pass, it will be necessary to fully turn the tool to make a repeat pass. For greater flexibility, there are the plate compactor units with a reversible design which is a lot easier to maneuver and change direction. Also, the plate compactor can include extra features such as a water tank to stop the ground surface sticking to the plate.
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.
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.
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.
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.