Compaction Equipment

Compaction equipment, also called compactors, are heavy equipment used to compress soil, gravel, asphalt, or any other materials to increase density. These machines can become more stable and more durable by decreasing the air voids in the material through static weight, vibration, or impact force. The compaction of materials is particularly important for construction, such as for building roads, foundations, and airports. Compaction will ensure there will be no future settling of materials, allowing for a strong, level surface to work on.

Common types of compaction equipment are:

1. Rollers - Large, heavy pieces of equipment with several types, such as a smooth drum roller with a flat steel cylinder as the drum and a sheepsfoot roller with protruding pads to compress cohesive soils such as clay.

2. Plate Compactors - Smaller, walk-behind machines that utilize a vibrating plate to compact granular materials, such as sands and gravels.

3. Rammers (Jumping jacks) - Manual or machine tools that provide high-impact blows, and are ideal for compacting soil for narrower areas, like a trench.