Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 4:28 pm
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!
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!
