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An Overview of Soil Compaction and Why It Requires Water Trucks

24 February 2022

The agricultural and construction industries utilise varying techniques to ensure that their sites will be ready for use. One of the techniques that they use is soil compaction.

Soil compaction is a process of applying stress to a soil surface to effectively remove the air from soil grain pores. It densifies or increases the density of the site, making it more workable for both agricultural and construction works. Failure to conduct soil compaction will result in failed agricultural processes and faulty structures and buildings.

There are more things that you should know about soil compaction.

The Very Essence of Soil Compaction

There are various reasons why soil compaction is necessary for a project site. For agricultural works, soil compaction can ensure that the soil can deliver the much-needed seed-to-soil contact, ensuring that the germination process will be done quickly. A well-compacted soil surface can likewise guarantee quality yields as opposed to a site that is not compacted optimally or has been tilled freshly.

Soil compaction for the construction works, alternatively, is important as it can make a structural foundation highly secure and stable. Compacting the soil can generate a foundation that would support the qualities of the pavers, patios, and other outdoor structures. It likewise makes sure that the foundation will be free from damages despite weather changes.

Common Soil Compaction Methods

Usually, soil surfaces are mechanically compacted by a flat hoe, rammer, or roller.

A flat hoe is used in compacting localised areas of a site. It can compact the said areas by slamming the flat side of its blade into the ground, compressing the soil elements close to the surface. Since it only deals with localised areas of a site, this particular equipment is only maximised for agricultural and landscaping works.

A rammer, alternatively, has a vibrating base that can shake and settle the dirt elements of the ground. Most of the time, this equipment is maximised for big construction activities such as generating building foundations, pouring driveways, and building other outdoor features.

A roller, ultimately, may appeal similar to a drum aerator without the spikes. As the weighted drum is pulled over the soil surface, it can easily crush and compact the said surface.

Soil Compaction with Water Trucks

What is common about compacting with a flat hoe, rammer, and a roller is they generate brute force. Hence, some agricultural and construction projects would maximise water to effectively compact the surface of their project sites. By maximising water as a primary method of soil compaction, it does not generate a hardpan on the surface. It can likewise achieve the right density for the soil surface. The tools used for compacting the soil with water are also safer and easier to manage.

Generally, as water is applied to a soil surface, gravity can help pull the loose particles downward. As the loose particles move, they can easily fill in air gaps, compacting the ground effectively.

The water trucks, at this point, are ensured that the water supply will be enough to cover the soil compaction requirements of a project site. To acquire quality water trucks, you can contact us at WACME.

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