Vibratory compactors use plate or roller mechanisms to create a dense substrate for construction sites. They are necessary to prevent structural damage caused by the weight of the building on loose substrate. Vibratory plate machines are handheld and used for smaller areas, while vibratory roller compactors are used for larger sites. Each machine is designed for specific substrate applications and can be dangerous to operate without proper training.
A vibratory compactor is a heavy-duty machine that uses a plate or roller mechanism to compact soil, asphalt or concrete. These machines are needed to prepare a construction site before building a structure. The future structural integrity of the building depends on its standing on firm ground produced by the vibratory compactor.
The main purpose of a vibratory compactor is to create a dense substrate. Soil, asphalt, and concrete have natural voids, or spaces, between their individual particles. If a building is built on a loose substrate, the weight of the structure slowly compacts the material downwards. As a result, the structure will slowly deform, causing cracks and costly structural damage.
Vibratory plate machines look like a jackhammer shape, but with a flat, horizontal plate at the bottom toe of the machine. A worker walks slowly with the machine in his hands, as the plate moves rapidly up and down a small workspace. The force and frequency of vibration of the plate cause the underlying substrate to slowly compact downwards. The voids are naturally filled with broken substrate pieces, producing a solid bottom layer.
The heavier plates are placed on the vibrator for a stronger compacting action. Asphalt and concrete commonly require heavy plates for the best substrate handling as their individual grains are more difficult to loosen and rearrange than base soil. Some plate compactor models have a water or sprinkler assembly that removes adhered asphalt particles to prevent buildup along the machine plate.
A vibratory roller compactor mimics the shape of a small tractor, but with two barrel-shaped rollers flanking the front and rear wheel areas. This machine is designed for large compaction sites, such as laying asphalt for a highway. A worker sits on top of the roller and pushes it forward. Mechanical vibrator assemblies are incorporated into the rollers, allowing the machine to continuously compact a large area of substrate.
Each machine is manufactured for specific substrate applications. Difficult substrates, such as concrete, must have a vibrating action applied in longer, harder strokes. Conversely, the soil requires short, less powerful vibrations for the best compaction results.
Both machines can be dangerous to operate by an inexperienced individual. Operators of plate and roller compactors must be trained by an experienced user or designer. Feet and hands can be easily injured if the compactor accidentally hits the body.
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