Stepped base wacker plate for compaction of blocks - Is it suitable for final compaction ?

Colin C · Post: # 24748Post **Colin C** Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:38 pm

Hi, I have got the use of friends compactor, It is the type with a stepped base (a raised section across the middle of the plate, about 5mm thick by 150mm wide).
Could you tell me if this type of plate suitable for the final compaction of 60mm concrete block, or should I use one that is totally flat.

Pablo · Post: # 24750Post **Pablo** Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:46 pm

Chances are it will damage your paving should do a good job of the sub base though but you will need a flat based one to finish the job.

Colin C · Post: # 24751Post **Colin C** Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:53 pm

Thanks Pablo, looks as if will have to rent one for final compaction.

Colin C

Post: # 24764Post **Tony McC** Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:10 pm

I can't figure out why it would have a stepped plate. How does having an uneven base plate help with compaction?

Mikey_C · Post: # 24767Post **Mikey_C** Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:05 pm

I know they aren't favored on this web site (I got my trade card for them before I found here and their location is handy) but HSS hire's whacker plates are "HAUC approved" and they explain "The HAUC approved plates can be identified by the extra section welded to the bottom of the plate. i.e. the stepped base, I was going to ask why this was so maybe this thread will offer the answer?

Mike

dig dug dan · Post: # 24768Post **dig dug dan** Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:07 pm

well tony, i have two wackers, both belle, and both have a stepped base. they reckon it gives greater compaction force on the stepped area, equivelant to a larger wacker plate. its a smaller area for the compaction force to be pushed down on so to speak.
must admit that the larger of the two really does wack the sub base down, and it works fine on the blocks too. no sinkage to date!
I dare say belle might be able to explain further.

Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:51 pm

our wacker (now sadly gone to some pikey camp in the sky) was flat as a witches,and worked a treat
LLL

James.Q · Post: # 24784Post **James.Q** Fri Dec 14, 2007 9:57 pm

THE PLATE YOUR ON ABOUT VERY GOOD FOR SUB BASE AND MOT DO NOT USE ON PAVING THO . OUCH IF YOU DO

Post: # 24786Post **Dave_L** Sat Dec 15, 2007 9:38 am

Never seen a stepped plate before! Don't think it'd be much good for tarmac!!!!

flowjoe · Post: # 24792Post **flowjoe** Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:19 am

I though that stepped plates were just older models with a smaller plate welded onto the base, we were told that a couple of ours were not up to specification (compaction wise)for road and street works and this was what was done to meet the required spec

Post: # 24793Post **Dave_L** Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:35 am

Is any whacker plate suitable for road compaction???

flowjoe · Post: # 24795Post **flowjoe** Sat Dec 15, 2007 11:19 am

Dave_L wrote:Is any whacker plate suitable for road compaction???

Not sure about that Dave, this was way back when we could get away with reinstating road digs with cut back T Mac flattened with a plate.

Our plates havn`t seen daylight for many years its all trench rammer/wacker and roller work now.

Edited By flowjoe on 1197717655

Post: # 24796Post **Dave_L** Sat Dec 15, 2007 11:44 am

Yeah, I was gonna say it would all be "jumping jack" work. Horrible machines to operate!

Post: # 24821Post **Tony McC** Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:02 am

I've seen stepped plates for compacting loose aggregates, but for compaction of a surface layer, whether it's blocks, bitmac or anything else, is a nonsense. As I said, a stepped plate cannot possibly aid compaction in these circs.