The foundation is arguably the most important part of every building project, as without a strong foundation the whole building will not be supported properly. Effective soil compaction will give you the perfect ground to work on, as you begin to construct the foundation of your project. It helps to provide a flat, level surface with maximum density and load-bearing capacity on which to build.

Choosing the right roller for your compaction project isn’t as simple as purchasing the newest and most expensive machine, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution to effective compaction. With each job being unique, you need to take the time to consider the type of equipment that will best suit your needs. There are several factors to consider before finalizing your roller hire choice. We’ll explore these in this article.

What Factors Affect Soil Compaction?

No matter the size of the landscaping project you’re undertaking, there will be several variables that can impact the soil that you will be attempting to compact. These potential factors include:

• Soil Type: Clay, sandy, silt and chalky soil all need different types of rollers. For example, padfoot rollers are great for cohesive soils like clay.

• Moisture Level: For fine-grained soils, the ideal moisture level for compaction is typically 12–25%, while for granular soils, it is 7–12%.

• Project Specifications: The size and nature of the job, project timelines and necessary level of compaction will all help you decide what types of rollers you will need.

• Site Conditions: You need to consider the slope gradient and any potential obstacles on site, such as trees, pipework, underground services or surrounding structures. 

What Types of Rollers Are There?

Smooth Drum Rollers

Sand, gravel and crushed stone are all granular soils and these are perfect for smooth drum roller compaction. They are made up of rubber tires at the back and a smooth, cylindrical steel drum that vibrates. They are usually used for civil works, car parks, hardstands, road construction and driveways.

Padfoot Rollers

In order to create a compacted surface, padfoot rollers use a heavy vibrating steel drum with rectangular or cylindrical pads that puncture and compress the soil. They work well for compacting cohesive, damp soils and they are frequently combined with other roller types to get the best degrees of soil compaction.

Multi-tyred Rollers

Multi-tyred rollers are a kind of compaction roller that compacts the underlying surface area by using rubber tires that are inflated with air. When used properly, it can make the difference between a finish that looks professional and one that attracts your attention for all the wrong reasons.

Trench Rollers

Trench rollers are commonly utilised in trench compaction environments. Articulated steering keeps all four drums on the ground, so it won't dig up your soil while turning. The infrared remote control enables the operator to stand safely outside the trench, free of vibration, dust, and noise.

Tandem Rollers

In road construction projects, such as driveways and parking lots, tandem rollers are frequently used to crush the base and surface layers. They are made up of two smooth vibrating steel drums. The weight is usually split equally between the two drums.