PRODUCT FOCUS
ROLLING
WITH THE TIMES
By Allyson Koekhoven
Sandwiched somewhere between heavy equipment and small plant, compaction equipment is available in numerous configurations, for a variety of tasks and solutions.
From handheld rammers to the behemoth 26-ton Bomag BW 226DI-5 BVC or the Hamm 3625 HT VC 25-ton vibration crusher single-drum rollers, compaction equipment offers a solution for all industries and requirements.
Compaction equipment can be divided into two distinct categories: those for light soil compaction and those for heavy soil compaction. In general, light-compaction machines are preferred by the rental companies, whereas end users, such as construction and roadbuilding companies, invest more heavily in the heavyweight machines.
Light soil compaction equipment
Ideal for use in smaller or confined areas such as trenches, there are two main types of light compaction equipment: rammers and vibratory plate compactors. Rammers, which can be hand- or machine operated, deliver high-amplitude blows at frequencies of 500 – 750 per minute to compact cohesive soils. The machine weight varies from 30kg to 10 tons.
Vibratory plate compactors produce low-amplitude, high-frequency vibration, which is best suited for compacting granular soils with 4 – 8 % fines. These machines can weigh from 100kg up to two tons and have plate areas of between 0.16m 2 and 1.6m 2. Vibratory plate compactors are available in two variants: forward travel plates, which are ideal for smaller areas and depths of up to 30cm, and reversible plates, which travel in forward and reverse directions and are heavier, for increased compaction force.
Heavy soil compaction equipment
Perfect for use in larger areas on different types of soils and on asphalt, concrete, and gravel, these rollers are available in smooth wheeled( metal drum) and rubber tyre models.
Smooth-wheeled rollers are further divided into static and vibrating versions. Smooth-wheel rollers are most suitable for consolidating stone soling, gravel, sand, hard core, ballast, and surface dressings. They are not suitable for consolidating embankments and soft subgrades, but are better suited than any other plant for compacting silty and sandy soils and with fewer passes. When the moisture content is a little more than optimum it will compact more easily. Tandem( duplex) rollers have one wheel at the rear and one wheel in front,
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JUNE 2018