Compaction Equipment Rentals: The Key to Strong Foundations (for any project)
Every building project is only as strong as its foundations – and the compacted soil on which these sits is at the very core... Get it right and the project builds from the strongest position. But get it wrong…? Well, let’s just say that no matter how good the craftsmanship is, if that crucial bottom layer is the weakest link, then it sets up a whole lot of hurt further down the line.
Happily, there’s a whole host of compaction equipment available that ensures this crucial prep is done to the highest standards. Renting and using the latest advanced compaction equipment is the key to the rock-solid foundations from which any construction will grow.
Foundations might be out of sight, but certainly not out of mind…
No matter what the project – be it a patio, extension, road, house, multi-storey building or whatever - the integrity of the finished project relies on how well the soil below it is compacted.
The process involved is fairly complex. The aim is to remove the voids from between the particles of soil – a process known as densifying. This results in a firm surface that can withstand the weight of the construction and every type of weather condition without movement.
The risks of failing to carry out the correct soil compaction range from severe to catastrophic. Poorly compacted soil can (and will) shift. Over time it will settle beneath the often-considerable load of the construction it supports, causing cracks not only at ground level, but potentially through walls, floors and upper levels of buildings. Even worse, the soil can slide and allow water to seep beneath the foundations, causing damage that could potentially cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair.
Compaction Equipment for Different Types of Soil
Soil can be grouped into three general categories:
Cohesive: This type holds or has the potential to hold high levels of moisture (clay is a good example). The particles bind together tightly.
Granular: Contains particles of varying sizes – most well-draining soils are of a granular construction. The particles don’t naturally bind together as tightly as more cohesive soil.
Cohesive-granular mix: As the name suggests, this is a soil type that contains both of the above.
While all soils can be compacted to create a solid base for foundations, a cohesive-granular mix is considered the optimum. There are various types of compaction tools available to use. The right combination of these will be determined by the makeup of the soil that’s being worked with.
These include:
Trench rollers
Whacker plates
Vibrating rollers
Vibrating plates
Rammers
Grid rollers
Smooth drum rollers
Tow-along compactors
Padfoot rollers
It’s important to carry out the correct pre-work assessments to know which equipment will suit. This involves determining the level of density necessary (the heavier the build load, the more strength – and therefore density – needed), the size of the work area, the soil type and the ground conditions.
Examples of the types of compaction equipment for various projects include:
Using a smooth drum roller (single or twin) to compact a stabilising base for a road or driveway.
Using a rammer to compact a smaller area of cohesive soil. They also work well in trenches or other tight spaces.
Using a vibrating plate for compacting granular soil areas where a high density must be achieved.
Choosing the right compaction equipment is the key to great foundations. Whether it’s a small DIY project or the largest of industrial tasks, spending a little time determining the right equipment will pay dividends.
McMahon Hire has the expertise to ensure you rent the correct compaction equipment for your needs. We provide machinery for every size project, from the smallest of home improvements to mass construction endeavours. Working with us means we’ll either source from our extensive inventory or, if we don’t have it in stock, we’ll procure it for you.
In combination with compaction equipment, you can rely on us for all related elements of construction needs, including earth moving equipment, site set up, access equipment and more.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.