Vibratory Compactor ?

[Tony McC]

There is a provision within the HUAC requirements and within Specification for Highway Works (Table 8.1 SHW) for satisfactory compaction of sub-base and backfill materials that covers the use of plate compactors, and they are suitable for use, as long as the force exerted by the plate meets the minimum requirements. To claim that channelisation on residential driveways is solely due to the use of plate compactors is complete bollocks!

Although I don't have any evidence to back me up, I'd bet next week's beer money that over 90% of British and Irish contractors use plate compactors to consolidate the sub-base, and as long as the sub-base is constructed of suitable, approved material, of sufficient depth, and properly compacted, there should be no problems at all.

Most of the better manufacturers, and this includes Wacker (GB), give clear guidance as to whether specific machines meet the requirements. The data I have from Wacker tells me that the 1550 plate generates a force of 15kN, which is well within the requirements deemed necessary for adequate conmpaction of sub-base materials up to 150mm depth, wand that's with or without the water tank!

[camachinist]

Although off-topic, exactly how much is next week's beer money?

Seriously though, I likely wouldn't have come to this conclusion without this site and the information which only the internet can bring in a timely fashion. Thanks so much!

Pat

[Nigel Walker]

Just like to back up Tonys answer. ewansurfs comments are complete and utter boll***s. He obviously knows bugger all about pavement design.

Yes it may be better to compact sub base with a roller, but as Tony says the vast majority of domestic driveways use a wacker plate, although it may need a few extra passes than with using a roller

It is the depth and quality of the sub base material that determines the quality of the sub-structure, not what is used for compacting the hardcore.

I have used a Belle 450 Compactor for the past 4 years with no problems at all. 5-6 passes on the hardcore, 2 passes on the sand and 3-4 passes on the blocks give me a perfect job every time. I have never had Tyre ruts or any problems with the sub-structure of my driveways. It is the whole process of the laying of the drive that determines its quality

I have undertaken the HAUC Streetworks certificate a few years ago an I am sure there was some section about over-compacting the hardcore. Is this right ? If so, then using a twin roller with lots of passes will not be recommended !!

Just one more thing to say to ewansurf - Dont ever call me a cowboy for using a wacker plate !

Nigel

[Tony McC]

Next week's beer money should be around 20 quid, but there's an Art Deco Shite Fair at Chester Racecourse tomorrow and Mrs Taz has that gleam in her eye which usually means yet another raid on my wallet.

I'm not sure about over-compacting, Nigel. Like you, I seem to remember hearing or reading summat about it being a problem on some repairs and reinstatements, but I can't find any docs in library that refer to it. Was it summat to do with groundwater disruption??