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.
