Be it a residential driveway or an entire parking lot, any paving or roadwork is a tough job. But with the right tools and equipment, you can complete the job faster, easier and safer. One key piece of equipment for such a job is the compactor, which has different types to suit various requirements and parameters.
Preparing the sub-base to prevent cracking and erosion
The role of compactors is to apply pressure to the soil or other sub-base aggregate to reduce the air pockets within. They can increase the shear strength of the sub-base and decrease its compressibility and permintensely long-term. In turn, the sub-base becomes firm enough to handle heavy weights and withstand intense pressures on the surface over a long period of time.
Compaction also makes it difficult for water to flow through the sub-bade. This helps prevent the build-up of large water pressure that can cause soil and sub-base to erode or the foundation to crack over time.
Since the use of compactors is at the beginning of any roadwork, picking the right type is a must. This way, the project gets off to a great start and prepares the job properly to prevent issues later down the road. It literally provides the project with a firm base!
Selecting the right machine for the job
Two main types of compactors are the plate and roller models. Roller compactors are ideal for cohesive soils such as clay and silt and metal bases which forms a layer below larger pavement areas or parking lots.
Larger in size than plate compactors, roller compactors are a better option for larger areas. As long as there is space to move around, these rollers can travel and complete a large area fast and efficiently. For road constructions, parking spaces and other major pavement jobs, roller compactors are a suitable machine.
Plate compactors, on the other hand, are great for small to mid-sized pavement projects. They have a base plate that vibrates to even out and compact sand, gravel and soil with coarse particles. While they are smaller in size compared to rollers, plate compactors have larger surface areas and a very manoeuvrable. They work efficiently even in confined areas, including kerb edgings.
With plate compactors, you have the option between a single-plate or reversible plate. Single-plate compactors are the most popular choice for smaller jobs, but they go only in a forward direction. Reversible plates can go both forward and reverse, giving users greater control and manoeuvrability.
Reversible plate compactors are designed for better operator experience. Offering efficiency and ease of use and control, these compacters help reduce operator time, so your team can meet critical deadlines.
When selecting a compactor either for rental or sale, it is crucial to look beyond the price. Make sure to find a machine that is designed for the job and suits the types of jobs required in your project. Look for features that allow any user to get the best compaction and smoothest job possible. Again, soil compaction is at the beginning of any pavement project; it can expedite or derail the project, so it is vital to choose the most suitable machine.
If you are looking for a reliable reversible compactor or want further guidance in deciding which compactor to buy, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you make the right decision.