Safe Disposal.
Instructions for the protection of the environment.
The machine contains valuable materials. Take the
discarded apparatus and accessories to the
relevant recycling facilities.
Soil, which has been disturbed or new infi ll, subbase and blacktop, will have small voids or air pockets which, if not compacted, will
lead to one or more problems occurring.
1. As traffi c crosses the surface of an uncompacted area, the material is compressed. This leads to subsidence of the top
surface as the material fi lls the voids.
2. A similar situation occurs with static loads on uncompacted ground. The load (e.g. a building) will sink.
3. Materials with voids are more susceptible to water seepage, leading to erosion. Water ingress may also cause the soil to
expand during freezing temperatures and contract during dry spells. Expansion and contraction is a major cause of damage to
building foundations and normally leads to the structure requiring underpinning.
Compaction increases the density of the material and therefore increases its load bearing
capacity. Reduces air voids and therefore reduces the risk of subsidence, expansion and
contraction, due to ingress of water.
Various methods have been employed in the past to specify the compaction required for various applications. The factors to consider
are, material properties, layer thickness, pressure applied, vibration and number of passess. Greater understanding of how compaction
works has lead to new compaction specifi cations being introduced. The most up to date specifi cation is part of the U.K.'s NRSWA (New
Roads & Street Works Act). Civil Engineers are now adopting these specifi cations to ensure good compaction for all site work.
NRSWA (HAUC specifi cation).
The specifi cation was compiled by HAUC (Highways Authorities & Utilities Committee). The 'New Roads and Street Works Act 1991,
set a new standard for road repairs and reinstatements in the UK. It covers materials, methods, equipment and safety when carrying
out reinstatements on roads and footways. The reason for the act is to ensure repairs and reinstatements are carried out to a higher
standard and ultimately last longer. This in turn will reduce the need for costly remedial work and reduce traffi c delays.
There are two categories specifi ed for plate compactors.
1. 1400 to 1800kg/m²
These fi gures relate to the static pressure applied by the machine
Reasons For Compaction
Compaction Specifi cation
2. Over 1800kg/m²
Environment
Component
Operator Handle
Hand Grip
Base Plate
Eccentric weights
Petrol engine housing
Petrol engine covers
Various parts
16
Material
Steel
Rubber
Steel
Steel
Aluminium
Synthetic material
Steel & Aluminium