Compaction Basics: Understanding Soil Types and Techniques
Construction on any scale relies upon its foundations. In other words, the stability and longevity of a project will be determined by the soil upon which it lies. Good soil preparation is all about getting compaction right. It needs to be densified to become strong enough to support the structure above.
This is done by using compaction equipment – of which there are many different types.
Getting the vital compaction process right will:
Increase the strength and load-bearing capacity of the soil base.
Remove voids between the particles, thus increasing stability and reducing any settling, shrinking or swelling.
Preventing water seepage and future foundation issues.
Different soil types have different compaction requirements. Therefore, understanding what these are and the necessary prep is a crucial part of any construction project.
Soil classification
The first step is to determine the soil type. The moisture content and particle size must be considered, as this will affect both how easy compaction is and the amount of weight the resulting surface will be able to support.
The best types of soil for construction are granular with a wide variety of different sized particles. This enables them to interlock together and compact tightly. This will remove the vast majority of voids between them. It also means the surface will be highly resistant to moisture absorption over time.
Moisture at the time of compaction is also very important. The right level of this – known as the optimum moisture level – is vital. If there’s not enough then water should be added – and too much requires the soil to be aerated and dried out. If you don’t know how to determine the right soil moisture level for your project then advice from a professional should be sought.
The different types of compaction equipment
Once you understand your soil type, you enter the world of compaction choices. There are many different types – each of which has particular uses dependent on need.
Vibrating rollers: These are the largest types of compaction machinery. The operator rides on the machine, driving it across the area to be compacted. It has one or more large vibrating drums that both agitate and compress the surface at the same time. This is what you’ll see being used for road construction, industrial and other large-scale building projects – although there are also lighter options that are suitable for smaller projects.
Trench rollers: These come in both ride-on and walk-behind models – the latter often offering remote control operation for safety. As the name suggests, these are used for compacting narrower strips of earth, such as after backfilling over utility lines or other dug trenches.
Wacker plates: these are manoeuvred by hand and used to compact smaller areas of soil. The plate both vibrates and compresses. It’s commonly used to prep areas for patios, landscaping or after groundwork repairs have been completed.
Vibrating plates: These are similar to wacker plates and are often used in conjunction with them. They have extra features, such as reversible plates for extra versatility.
The key to efficient soil compaction is to both understand the earth you’re working with and to use the right kit. Every construction project – even the smallest of DIY improvement – is only as good as its foundations.
The most efficient and cost-effective way to take advantage of the right compaction equipment is to hire what you need – and at McMahon Hire we provide an extensive range of machinery to suit all compaction rental requirements. Of course, earth moving equipment also goes hand in hand with compaction – and our expert team is here to help with making the right equipment choices.
Get in contact today for a no-obligation quote.