Machine
or mechanism that reduces the size of waste material is called as
compactor. Normally the compactors are powered by hydraulics and are of
different kinds depending upon the nature of the compaction. Different
types of compactors that are mostly used are plate compactors, pneumatic
rollers, jumping jack rammers, vibratory rollers etc.
Vibratory plate compactors compacts granular soils (sands and gravels)
by vibratory energy. To compact the small particles frequency of the
plate compactor is adjusted. Vibratory plate compactors are of two
types :
- Forward vibratory plates
- Reversible vibratory plates
Mechanical Operations
Powered by diesel or gasoline, forward vibratory plates are
low-amplitude, high-frequency devices. Diesel engine provides high speed
to develop compaction force and vibrations that compact granular soils.
Weight of the plate plays major role in compaction. The heavier the
plate, the more compaction force it generates. However as forward
vibratory plates can move in one direction its maneuverability is
affected. This limitation is however is absent in reversible vibratory
plate compactor which moves in both directions because it has an exciter
system with two eccentric weights that revolve in opposite directions.
Vibratory Plate compactors when applied to loose soil or other material
increases its density and consequently its load-bearing capacity. It
also minimized water seepage, prevent damage from frost and also
prevents the contraction of soils.
Applications
Vibratory plate compactor plays an important role in many
infrastructure projects. They have their applications in the following
areas :
- For compaction in urban areas, roads and highways.
- Utilized for landfill and paving applications.
- Suitable for compacting granular soils and asphalts.
- Applied for landscaping and preparing sites for building
construction.
- Have great utility in compaction of soils and gravels in
trenches.
- Used to set the paving stones in the sand bed and to settle the
joint sands.
- Soil compaction in trenching and sloping applications, or
general site preparation.
