How To Choose the Right Compaction Equipment

Presented by Tutt Bryant

Compaction is a significant part of any earthmoving construction and civil work processes. It is often used on roads and earthworks to remove air pockets between soil particles. There are various types of compaction rollers in the market, knowing which is best suited for your job could be challenging, but if done right, it could save you money in the long run.

Whether you use rammers, single drum, double drum or multi tyred rollers – ensure that your project requires that type of compaction and no less. Below are some tips for choosing the right compaction equipment, starting with the basics:

What is Soil?

• The upper surface of earth that provide structural support to plants, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles
• Soil is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life

Different Types of Soil for Compaction

• Cohesive – Smallest particle size. Dense and tightly bound together (e.g silts and clays)
  Cohesive soils usually require a force such as impact or pressure
• Granular – Range in particle size from sand and fine to medium gravel (e.g sand and gravel)
  Granular soils usually require vibratory compaction

BOMAG compaction units reversible vibratory plate BPH 80/65 S. Source: www.bomag.com

What are the Benefits of Compaction?

• Increase soil load-bearing capacity
• Enhance soil stability
• Prevent soil settlement and frost damage
• Reduce water seepage
• Reduce soil shrinkage, swelling and contraction
• Prevent build-up of large water pressures that cause soil to liquefy during earthquakes

Consider Job Site Specifications

Compaction equipment requirement varies from one job site to another. Is there sufficient space at the job site to operate the machine? If the site is spacious, you may want to consider a larger unit to accomplish more in few passes. What is the condition of the terrain? If it is steep, the equipment must be able to operate properly at an angle.

Different Types of Compaction Equipment and their Various Applications

Light Compaction

Light compaction equipment is ideal for compacting small areas which require less compaction effort (force). These types of equipment are easy to transport and convenient due to their compact size. Typical areas of application include: pipelines and trenching, backfilling, footpaths, cycle paths, foundations, garden design, landscaping, and concrete blocks.

Light compaction range:

• Rammers
• Tampers
• Plate compactors

BOMAG BT80D petrol & diesel tamper. Source: Supplied.

Vibratory Rollers

Vibratory rollers are ideally used for compaction of asphalt and soil layers. Standard applications include wear courses and subbase layers in new constructions, maintenance work on the medium to large scale construction projects, hydraulically bound material etc… The rollers come in variety of configurations such as smooth drum, padfoot drum and combination format.

Bomag Compaction Twin Vibrating Roller. Source: Supplied.

Multi-Tyred Rollers

Rubber tyred vibratory units are preferred in residential & commercial areas due to their low vibration emissions having minimal impact on surrounding businesses and communities. These units also excel when working next to kerb and guttering, making them ideal for subdivision work. Typical applications are asphalt, sub layer compaction, final and finishing compaction.

BOMAG BW25RH pneumatic tyred roller. Source: Supplied.

Request for a Quote

Do you need to hire compaction equipment for your job site? Besides excellent equipment, seeking a good equipment hire provider with knowledgeable staff is equally as important. The Tutt Bryant Hire specialists will provide more effective and efficient ways to complete your project, which could save you from hiring incorrect equipment at times or worse, doubling up unnecessarily!

Tutt Bryant Hire has an extensive fleet of class leading Bomag Rollers, Tampers and Compactors. For more information, contact your nearest Tutt Bryant Hire branch here.