If you are a contractor with excavation needs, you know about soil compaction with vibratory, smooth, and sheepsfoot roller methods. However, some companies may fail to properly compact after excavation, and it can have devastating effects. Here are some reasons to make sure your crew always practices the right compaction.
Why Compact Soil?
During excavation, the soil gets aerated. In fact, it can place a great deal of air and gaps in the soil. When you compact ground which was previously disturbed, you eliminate much of the air trapped inside. Compaction with smooth or sheepsfoot roller methods helps to return it to its natural state.
More Benefits of Soil Compaction
Compacting is a good way to increase soil shear strength. Sheer strength is the ability to resist structural failure. In other words, it is far less likely to collapse under a heavy load once compacted properly with smooth, vibratory, or sheepsfoot roller equipment.
Even Settlement
If not compacted right, soil may settle unevenly, and this can lead to many issues. Properly compacted soil has little compression left, and this helps it to maintain even settling. When soil does not settle evenly, water may pool in spots, and this can lead to sinkholes. In some cases, soil erosion may occur, and once erosion begins, it is sometimes like a snowball rolling down a hill, as one area can affect an adjacent area and so on.
Road Construction
In road construction, soil compaction is vital. This is especially important for highways and roads which carry heavy truck traffic and a lot of vehicle traffic daily. Properly compacted soil prevents problems like low or high places in the pavement and uneven surfaces, which can lead to issues like loss of control, especially in inclement weather conditions like ice, sleet, and snow.
