Compaction refers to the act of compacting soil to a specified
density. Normally under foundations this would be a value of 95%
compaction. This can be accomplished by using big drum
compactors which are usually either slick drum or sheep's foot
compactors. In order for the soil to be tested, a soil sample has to
be taken where the site work is being done. This sample is called a
proctor. The soil sample will be tested and will provide the
information needed to obtain the desired soil compaction. The soil
will be tested with a nuclear testing piece of equipment. The tech
will drive an iron rod in the ground in order to create a hole to
push the probe into the ground and lock in place. The test will
provide the soil moisture content and density. When the soil
proctor was tested, it provided an optimum moisture level for the
soil sample. Example: The soil might require an optimum moisture
level of 12% to achieve 95% compaction. An experienced site sub
can usually tell after he has added water and work the soil when
the soil is ready to compact and test. Sometimes depending on the
soil conditions, this might involve a few times of trial and error to
obtain a good test result. Inside foundation forms plate
compactors are used to achieve the required compaction. These
are walk behind machines that vibrate to achieve the compaction.
The moisture content still has to be correct to past the test.
Another piece of compaction equipment is called a "wacky packer"
or "jumping jack". This piece of equipment is used in tight places
like around plumbing pipes. Each piece of compaction equipment
has it's own specific need and place in the total soil compaction
process.
density. Normally under foundations this would be a value of 95%
compaction. This can be accomplished by using big drum
compactors which are usually either slick drum or sheep's foot
compactors. In order for the soil to be tested, a soil sample has to
be taken where the site work is being done. This sample is called a
proctor. The soil sample will be tested and will provide the
information needed to obtain the desired soil compaction. The soil
will be tested with a nuclear testing piece of equipment. The tech
will drive an iron rod in the ground in order to create a hole to
push the probe into the ground and lock in place. The test will
provide the soil moisture content and density. When the soil
proctor was tested, it provided an optimum moisture level for the
soil sample. Example: The soil might require an optimum moisture
level of 12% to achieve 95% compaction. An experienced site sub
can usually tell after he has added water and work the soil when
the soil is ready to compact and test. Sometimes depending on the
soil conditions, this might involve a few times of trial and error to
obtain a good test result. Inside foundation forms plate
compactors are used to achieve the required compaction. These
are walk behind machines that vibrate to achieve the compaction.
The moisture content still has to be correct to past the test.
Another piece of compaction equipment is called a "wacky packer"
or "jumping jack". This piece of equipment is used in tight places
like around plumbing pipes. Each piece of compaction equipment
has it's own specific need and place in the total soil compaction
process.
Compaction
Category Construction Glossary
