Importance of Soil Compaction in Construction And How it is Done

What is Soil Compaction?

Soil compaction is the process of improving the field density of soil by imparting compressive force on the surface of the soil. This removes entrapped air and water particles from soil hence compacting it altogether. It is essential process in any kind of construction project. It ensures stability of the soil which supports structural entities like foundations, plinth, roads, walkways, and other earth retaining structures.

 

Why is Soil Compaction Needed?

The soil in general is fragile and can break loose or sink due to water seepage, soil erosion, or weight bearing activities on its surface. If the soil is not compacted with adequate soil compaction equipment like plate compactors, tampers, road rollers; there remains a larger risk of soil disturbances. The structure that is eventually laid on such loose soil field remains at risk of sinking, breakage or related collapse making soil compaction a must needed activity on site.

MOST FAMOUS SOIL COMPACTION EQUIPMENT AND ITS APPLICATION

Vibratory Roller

Vibratory roller is a heavy duty machine typically containing 2 cylindrical roller drums that have vibratory mechanism inside and therefore impart compaction force as these drums rolls on the surface. There are different sizes, shapes and weights of vibratory rollers. One of the most commonly used is a walk behind double drum roller. These machines are ideally used in fields that are spread over a wider area and they are suitable for working on harder surfaces like soil, rocks, gravel, asphalt etc.

How a double drum vibratory roller works?

You can see this demo video by MAXEN where a brand new Chinese double drum roller is making some ground!

Tamping Rammer:

Tamping rammer is a high performance soil compaction machine mostly used on rocky and cohesive soils. The machine deliver hammering strokes to the surface through vertical jumping which results in field compaction.

This machine can work in very small areas like narrow trenches and pits due to its vertical design orientation. Tamping rammer is available in various drive options like electric, petrol and diesel. Maxen Engineering is the trusted supplier of soil compaction equipment in Pakistan. It is important to understand what machine is suitable for your particular application so always rely on expert opinion before making your purchase.

 

Plate Compactor

This machine is comparatively lighter in weight and size and is often used in places where double drum rollers can’t take access or when the field is smaller in size. Plate Compactor is handy construction tool and is very popular because it requires comparatively lower investment. Check out your options for the best price plate compactor available in Pakistan.

These machines are ideally used in fields that are smaller sized and they are suitable for working on less rocky surfaces like soil, gravel, asphalt, paver blocks etc.

MAXEN Engineering is importer construction machinery in Pakistan and have just launched C-100T plate compactor. This video highlights the ins and outs of this machine. Click the play button to have a look: