Concrete Block Paving – Which Compactor Wacker Plate?
When carrying out a landscape project involving interlocking concrete block paving, to ensure correct compaction levels of the ground beneath the paving the selection of the right light equipment is paramount. Deciding on which compactor wacker plate is relatively easy, as nearly all such projects will only require a single direction compactor wacker plate, which can be hired from most hire shops and builders merchants.
However, care must be taken when encountering cohesive soils including clay soils. These soils should not be compacted with a compactor wacker plate as the composition of these particular soil materials require heavier impacting equipment rather than vibration to attain good compaction densities.
A single directional compactor wacker plate capable of producing three to five thousand pounds of centrifugal force is ample for most concrete block paving projects. A further factor to consider, apart from the machine’s centrifugal force, is its frequency. Frequency is the amount of times the plate on the machine applies force on to the surface beneath it. A compactor wacker plate with a high frequency is more desirable for compacting smaller aggregates used in concrete block paving tasks. A typical machine specification is shown below:
- Plate size: 0.53m wide x 0.50m long
- Overall dimensions: 0.53m wide x 1.10m long x 0.66m high
- Weight: 93 kilograms
- Frequency (vibrations per minute): 7000
- Centrifugal force: 19.80 KN
- Compaction force: 4,450 lbs
- Compaction depth: 0.30m
- Travel speed: 0.45m per second
- Efficiency: 770m2 per hour
When selecting a compactor wacker plate for such tasks, it is also important to consider the machine’s engine power and base plate construction. The addition of easily detachable water tanks for dust suppression and better soil compaction, lifting hooks for easier work site transport by carrying it using a forklift or JCB, and wheel kits to allow the operator to independently move the machine around the site with ease, are several advantages when using a compacting machine in block paving projects. Some compactor wacker plates have the facility to remove the control handle to make transporting within a car boot a lot easier.
Over the years, the increase in block paving tasks has seen both professional and property owners seek new ways to enhance the quality of their concrete block paving projects. The use of the right compactor wacker plate to produce the correct compaction levels during a project is now a much easier and less time consuming way to enhance the visual impact and therefore increase property value whilst helping to ensure that any future expenditure and loss of time in repairs is limited.