Every paving project requires the use of compaction equipment. The plate compactor is a type of compaction equipment that can be seen on every construction site, no matter how big or small. Plate compactors can be used for many construction tasks, including compacting soil and sub-base, asphalt compaction on small roads and driveways, compaction of parking lots, and other repairs. It can also be used in very confined and narrow spaces. Several types of plate compactors are available, depending on the compaction task and the work. Compaction results can be achieved only with the right flat plate compactor. There are few options for construction workers and engineers when it comes to choosing the right plate compactor for the compaction job.
Plate compactors can be divided into three types or categories: single direction plate compactors, reversible plate compactors, and high performance heavy duty plate compactors. Compaction models should be selected based on the size and type of job. Single direction plate compactors only move forward. When compacting asphalt in small areas or for driveways, this machine would probably be the best choice. The reversible plate compactor’s main advantage is that it can be used forward as well as in reverse. This allows it to be maneuvered more easily on the ground. Compaction of sub bases and deep depths is one of the major uses of these plate compactors, as well as heavy duty or high performance compactors.
Plate compactors equipped with water tanks are more effective at compacting the asphalt base because the water acts as a barrier between the plate and the asphalt, preventing it from sticking to the plate. Many compactors today are equipped with anti vibration handles. It prevents vibration from the base plate from reaching the operator’s hands. As a result, the operator is more comfortable.
Steel or cast ductile iron are the most common materials for Compactor plates. Steel plates perform better than cast iron plates. Other factors to consider are the shape and size of the plate. Curved plates move easily on the ground, and their shape also prevents them from gouging the asphalt base. There are other factors to take into account besides the size and shape of the plates.
A second important factor to be considered is the centrifugal force generated by the plate compactor. When the plate compactor hits the ground, the force generated by centrifugal force should not be considered. The plate compactor’s overall compaction performance will also be affected by other factors such as weight, eccentric frequency, and amplitude.
