The vibratory plate compactor is mainly used for compaction of different type of soils in narrow and restricted areas where it is not possible or economical to use large compaction equipment. The different types of compaction equipment used in compaction project depend on the scope of work. It is used for compaction of coarse soils with 4 to 8% fines. Compaction with the help of vibrations and impact is most effective when the soil is in noncohesive nature.
The vibratory plate compactor is power-engines, walk-behind equipment that imparts powerful vibratory compaction effort to loose materials, by transmitting vibration through the vibrating plate which generates power from the single rotor in vibration case. The size of the plate may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The weights of these compactors vary from 100 kg to 2 tonnes with plate areas between 0.16 sqmt to 1.6 sqmt. In the diesel or gasoline engine drive my eccentric weight at a high speed generates compaction force. If the plate is heavy, the more compaction forces are generated.
The upper part of the compactor is made up of a power source, belt cover, handle, water tank for sprinkling and guard hook which are fixed by engine base. The base of the engine is fixed on Vibrating plate by shock absorbing Rubber. The lower part of the compactor is made up of vibrating plate and vibrating unit has an eccentric rotary shaft built in. The shape of the plate also affects the compaction process. A curved plate can make turning easier than a square plate.While selecting and purchasing a plate compactor, make sure that you find a plate the suits the types of the job it will be used on and make sure that features and elements will allow you to get the best compaction and smoothest job possible.
There are three types of vibratory plate compactors:
01. Single-Plate Compactor:
These types of compactors go in a forward direction only and work on high frequencies and comparatively low amplitude for compacting the thin layer of sand and gravel.
02. Reversible Plate Compactor:
Reversible plate compactor can go in both forward and reverse direction. It is most suitable for granular soils and mixed soils.
03. Heavy Duty or High-Performance Plate Compactors:
These type of compactors are applicable for semi-cohesive soils and on large amplitude. It is often used for sub-base or deeper depth of compaction.
Characteristics Vibratory Plate Compactor:
01. Frequency range is usually 2500 to 6000 vpm.
02. Vibratory plate compactor can work at any temperature between 10 °C to 50 °C.
03. The depth of Compaction ranges from 13 cm to 30 cm depending on the size and capacity of the compactors and types of soil compacted.
04. Plate compactors are most suitable for the embankment, base and sub-base course, as well as asphalt course.
05. The more weight and size will deliver excellent compaction results and also gives high area output.
