Everything You Need To Know About Soil Compaction And Roller Compactors - Part 1

The soil compaction is a process in which a particular stress force is applied to the soil, and the process results in densification because the air is displaced from the pores of the soil. When this happens, water or other types of liquids are being displaced from the soil grains. Generally the soil compaction is a process in which the total mass of the ground or soil, mainly consisted out of air and water particles, is being reduced to some extent by applying weight on the soil. Different types of heavy machines are used for the soil compaction process, like compaction roller. But the soil compaction process can occur as a result of the passage of the animal feet. Usually two types of soils are being identified : cohesive and non cohesive. Each type of soil requires appropriate compaction.

The process of soil compaction is very important especially in the construction. A soil that is compacted properly by using the appropriate machines is a priority for every construction project. The compaction process will provide the desired soil characteristics like soil resistance and soil stability. Depending on the type of the soil the process of compaction is different. But no matter what type of soil is being compacted, if the air is not removed from between the soil particles, unwanted or unexpected soil movement can occur later during the construction of buildings, bridges, foundations. Any failure to remove the air will result in higher damages later during the construction process.

There are several methods and techniques for achieving soil compaction. The most commonly used compaction methods are the following ones :

• Static Compaction- when weight is slowly applied on the soil and then it is slowly released.
• Impact Compaction- when the weight is applied directly by dropping mass on the surface of the soil.
• Vibrating Compaction- weight is applied continually and rapidly by using a particular mechanically driven plate compactor or hammer. These machines are often combined with a roller compactor.
• Gyrating- the weight is applied and maintained, while at the same time the soil is a subject to a gyratory motion. This process however is limited only for laboratory applications.
• Rolling Compaction- the compaction of the soil occurs by using one big cylinder which is rolled over the soil. The roller compactors are often equipped with vibratory mechanisms for increased ability.
• Kneading Compaction.

Continue reading to part 2...