What is the right compactor for the job?

Construction works are heavily reliant on the use of equipment if you want your project to go on steadily and to be accomplished quickly, then you need to make heavy use of equipment as it helps you save time and effort of your staff. The processes of paving or pavement maintenance are also counted as a part of any construction project. These projects require the use of equipment, the large scale projects use self-driven rollers, however medium and small level projects mostly use plate compactors. These efficient tools find their application in compaction of sub-base and asphalt that is present on driveways and parking lots. These plate compactors are also used for repair jobs as well.

Generally, these compactors are used where it is impossible or difficult to reach for large rollers. While selecting a compactor for your job, you have three options. Basically, three types of compactors are in use largely, the first one is single plate compactors, reversible plate compactors, and heavy-duty plate compactors. An advantage of using a reversible compactor is that it can be used in both directions, i.e. forward and reverse directions. Further details about selecting the right compactor for the job are given below:

Use of Different Types:

Every type or category of compactors serves a separate purpose. For instance, single plat compactors come at a lesser price and can work in the forward direction only. These compactors are the go-to choice for most contractors in the case of small asphalt jobs. However, when it comes to choosing a compactor that can work in both forward and reverse directions in hover mode, the choice should be a reverse plate compactor. When used on sub-base or deeper depth compaction is required, heavy-duty compactors and reversible plate compactors can work efficiently.

Performance Measures of Compactors:

Plates used with plate compactors are usually measured in terms of width, the width of these plates generally ranges from 15 to 25 inches. In addition to the size of the plate, the compactors are also measured for their capability of generating several thousands of lbs. in the form of centrifugal force. Usually, the small plate compactors produce around 3000 to 4000 lbs. of centrifugal force. However, the centrifugal force is not the main characteristic that describes the capability of a compactor to hit the plate hard on the surface but this measurement was used for years to compare compactors with each other in the industry. For contractors and builders, it is necessary to check out all the specifications listed on a plate compactor like weight and amplitude to figure out the actual performance of any plate compactor and find out the right one for the job.

Specific Characteristics of Plate:

In a plate compactor, the performance, shape, and make of plate is usually the main factor that decides the performance of any plate compactor. Eccentric frequency of the plate of compactor is usually measured in form of vibrations per minute or vpm, this factor decides whether a compactor is good for compaction of cohesive soil or not, generally, the plate compactors with a lower rate of vpm are good for cohesive soil compaction. In the case of asphalt and granular soil, it is better to get a plate compactor with high vpm rate. Additionally, it is good to know whether the plate is made up of ductile cast iron or steel because the plate made up of ductile cast iron tends to perform better for compaction of materials.