Forcing air out of the soil makes the ground as dense as possible, creating a stable platform for foundation footings, roads, and other concrete projects. Mechanical compaction equipment physically changes the orientation of the soil, increasing its density and ability to support heavy loads. Review this brief overview of the various devices and how to decide which is right for your project.

What Are the Different Types of Compaction Equipment?

1. Rollers

Rolling compacting machines are available in a range of sizes, from walk-behind models to industrial steam rollers. These devices rely on their sheer weight to compact soil, which means they can only affect the surface layers. This makes them ideal for building parking lots, driveways, and other structures on granular or mixed soil.

Some rollers also feature eccentric weights inside the drum to create high-frequency, low-amplitude vibrations. These devices are better suited for working with cohesive soils with high clay content.

2. Rammers

Ramming compaction equipment uses a small engine to power a piston, which is attached to a plate. The plate hits the soil, applying enough force to compact it effectively.

The ramming plate is mounted at a slight angle, allowing the machine to bounce forward with each impact. An operator walks behind the rammer to keep the device on track.

Unlike rollers, rammers are typically small, with plates that are usually no more than 24 inches wide. This feature makes them especially useful for compacting soil inside trenches or along building edges.

3. Vibratory Plates

Like rammers, vibratory plate compactors are smaller, hand-operated machines. Instead of a ramming piston, these compaction mechanisms rely on eccentric weights that create high-frequency vibrations.

These devices have smaller footprints than most rollers, so they’re often used to compact soil in tight areas. Some designs feature a single weight that works best with sandy or granular soils. However, manufacturers also offer heavier dual-weight devices that can be used on ground with a high clay content.

Whether you’re pouring a driveway or building a new home, Tri-County Rentals Sales and Service offers high-quality equipment at affordable rates. They offer compaction equipment from the industry’s top manufacturers to homeowners and contractors throughout West Virginia’s Berkeley and Jefferson counties. Visit their website for more information on their broad selection of equipment, get tips and advice on Facebook, or call (304) 267-2974 with any questions.