The soil compactor is essential equipment for preparing subgrades, bases and fills in construction and infrastructure. Its performance directly affects soil bearing capacity, settlement control and structural durability.
Compaction is the reduction of soil void ratio through application of mechanical energy. The aim is to increase dry density and improve properties such as:
Compaction performance depends on optimum moisture content, determined by Proctor test (Standard or Modified).
Efficiency depends on energy applied per unit area. In a rammer, for example, energy is a function of:
Typical equipment operates with impact force between 10 and 20 kN.
After compaction, verify:
For structural works, compaction degree is usually required to be ≥ 95% Standard Proctor or ≥ 100% Modified Proctor, per project specification.
Compactor selection should consider soil type, project volume, area confinement and structural requirement. Inadequate compaction leads to differential settlement, pavement cracking and loss of structural performance.
