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Field Compaction Techniques and Equipment

The document discusses field compaction. It defines relative compaction as the ratio of dry density achieved in the field to the maximum dry density obtained in a lab. In the field, contractors are usually required to compact soil to 90-95% of the maximum dry density. Various types of rollers are used for field compaction, including smooth drum, pneumatic, sheepfoot, and vibratory rollers. Factors that influence compaction efficiency include the compactor characteristics, construction procedures like number of passes and lift thickness, and soil characteristics.

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Abdul Wahab
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23 views20 pages

Field Compaction Techniques and Equipment

The document discusses field compaction. It defines relative compaction as the ratio of dry density achieved in the field to the maximum dry density obtained in a lab. In the field, contractors are usually required to compact soil to 90-95% of the maximum dry density. Various types of rollers are used for field compaction, including smooth drum, pneumatic, sheepfoot, and vibratory rollers. Factors that influence compaction efficiency include the compactor characteristics, construction procedures like number of passes and lift thickness, and soil characteristics.

Uploaded by

Abdul Wahab
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

FIELD COMPACTION

Use of compaction curve? Dry Density


ZAV

• Not possible to obtain


γd(max) in field. γd(max)

• In the field, contractor is 95% γd(max)


usually required to compact
the soil to 90-95% γd(max).

RELATIVE COMPACTION
(OMC) Moisture
Content

Relative compaction, or percent compaction is defined as the ratio of the


(γd)field to (γd max)lab.
1
Relative Compaction vs Relative Density
emax  e
Dr 
emax  emin

Statistical result based


RC  80  0.2Dr on 47 soil samples.
2
FIELD COMPACTION EQUIPMENT
A family of heavy fill movement and compaction equipment

3
FIELD COMPACTION EQUIPMENT
Motor-scarifier cuts and lays fills in 8 to 24 inch lifts for compaction

4
FIELD COMPACTION EQUIPMENT
Motor grader levels the ground

5
FIELD COMPACTION EQUIPMENT
Water truck used for attaining optimum moisture for compaction
of the subgrade.

6
FIELD COMPACTION
Field compaction → mostly done with rollers.

Common types of rollers:


 Smooth-wheel rollers (or smooth-drum rollers)
 Pneumatic rubber-tired rollers
 Sheepfoot rollers
 Impact rollers
 Vibratory rollers
 Grid rollers

7
SMOOTH-WHEEL ROLLER (DRUM)

• 100% coverage under the wheel


• Contact pressure up to 380 kPa
• Used for all soil types except
for rocky soils.
• Compactive effort: static weight
• Common use: proof-rolling
subgrades and compacting
asphalt pavement.

8
PNEUMATIC (OR RUBBER-TIRED)
ROLLER

• 80% coverage under the wheel


• Contact pressure up to 700 kPa
• Used for both granular and fine-
grained soils.
• Compactive effort: static weight
and kneading.
• Typical use: Highway fills or earth
dam construction.

9
SHEEPSFOOT ROLLERS

• Several round or rectangular


shaped protrusions or “feet”
attached to a steel drum
• 8% ~12% coverage
• Contact pressure is from 1400
to 7000 kPa
• It is best suited for clayey soils.
• Compactive effort: static
weight and kneading.
10
VIBRATING DRUM ON SMOOTH-
WHEEL ROLLER

• Vibrators can be attached to


smooth, pneumatic rubber-
tired, or sheepfoot rollers to
provide vibratory effect to
soil.
• Particles rearrangement due
to oscillations of roller.

• Extremely efficient in
compacting granular soils.

11
MESH (OR GRID PATTERN)
ROLLER
• 50% coverage
• Contact pressure is from 1400 to
6200 kPa
• Suited for compacting rocky soils,
gravels, and sands.
• Compactive effort: Static weight
and vibration.

13
PORTABLE COMPACTORS

• Used at places where space is


limited.
• Foundation trenches,
compaction for backfills.

13
FIELD COMPACTION EQUIPMENT
– SUMMARY

14
VIBRATORY COMPACTION – EFFICIENCY
A- Characteristics of Compactor
(1) Mass, size
(2) Operating frequency

B- Construction procedures
(1) Number of passes of roller
(2) Lift thickness
(3) Towing speed

C- Characteristics of Soil
(1) Initial density
(2) Grain size and shape
(3) Water content

15
Effect of Compactor Size & Frequency
• Heavier the
compactor, better is
compaction
• Best compaction
achieved at optimum
frequency

16
Effect of Roller Speed & No. of Passes

• Increase in density not


significant beyond 5
passes.

• For a given number of


passes, a higher density
is obtained if the vibrator
is towed more slowly.

Passes of roller
17
Effect of Lift Height

• Max. density achieved at


around 75% lift height.

18
DYNAMIC COMPACTION

21
CONCLUDED

22

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