For most building projects it is necessary to first compact the soil on which the building is to be carried out. More precisely: For the statics and stability of the project, properly carried out compaction is extremely important.
Cavities that lie underground are compacted by the soil – by pressure – reduced or completely eliminated. Water and air are also largely “pressed” out of the ground.
The process of compacting increases the soil’s load-bearing capacity and prevents the soil from sinking later. If the soil is not properly compacted, there is a risk of the building object collapsing. So the compaction of the soil is an extremely important basis for the construction of any stationary structure.
Compact the soil – with which machine
Different compaction machines are used in construction, depending on the type of construction project and the nature of the soil. To go into the respective differences in detail here would go beyond the scope, so it is only a rough explanation of what the differences are. On the one hand there is …
Single drum rollers and tandem rollers
Colloquially mostly known as a steam roller, regardless of whether it is a roller or a tandem roller. They are used to compact large areas and are especially known in road construction. There are numerous special types for the various requirements in construction. Furthermore there is
Vibrating plates or vibrators
These vibrating plates are also called vibrators or vibrating plates. Vibratory plates are used to compact small to medium-sized areas in construction.
They can be used in various construction projects and on almost all floors.
Since a steam roller would probably be oversized for most of the work around the house, a vibrating plate is usually sufficient.
You don’t necessarily have to buy this yourself, but a plate compactor can be rented in various designs in many places.
So what are the differences and what should you watch out for?
Which vibrator should it be
The main differences between the individual devices are the size (area of the plate) and weight. The weight can be from 30 to 1000 kilos. It therefore depends on which work is to be carried out in order to decide which plate compactor is to be used.
For most of the smaller jobs on the house, a small to medium plate compactor is sufficient. If only very small areas have to be processed, a tamper is sufficient, sometimes the use of a vibrating plate is also excessive.
More tips on compacting the soil
- Everyone can rent or buy a plate compactor and use it privately, but the appropriate protective clothing is very important here. This includes safety glasses, gloves, ear protection and, of course, above all safety shoes with steel caps.
- If you not only want to compact soil or gravel but also want to compact paving work with sand in the last step, you have to use a vibrator with a rubber plate to avoid damage to the pavement.
- If you are thinking about buying or renting a vibrating plate, you should find out more about the individual models and consult test reports to help you make a decision. If you only need the device once, you can also go to the local hardware store or a construction machinery rental company and get advice.
- Attention! In the area of trees and bushes one should act carefully, as there is a risk of damaging the roots.
