padfoot / sheeps foot towable compactor

[teamjnz]

I have been looking for a towable padfoot compactor and haven't been able to find one. Is there such a thing? I want to compact the soil for building my home and started thinking about a towable instead for hiring someone or renting one.

If there is such a thing please post a link for viewing.

thanks
teamjnz

 

[gabby]

Just load your front and rear buckets and pack it with your tractor tires.
gabby

 

[teamjnz]

Hey gabby.. County wants 95% compaction. I bought the unit to fill the tires with water, but haven't filled them yet. With the tires filled and a bucket loaded with wet dirt I still don't think that I can get it heavy enough /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

teamjnz

 

[beenthere]

How are you going to measuer '95%' compaction?

 

[jim_wilson]

Only place I have been able to find so far that makes a towable sheepsfoot roller is Hoelscher Inc. . They aren't cheap though - I think they are something like $4500.00

 

[jim_wilson]

Also - depending on the soil type using a roller for compaction might not be the best method. Most of the time for soil that you would want under a house pad or foundation you would use a vibratory compactor. Do some searching on google for soil compaction. There are a number of interesting articles out there.

 

[Egon]

First off what type of soil are you trying to compact?

Soil type will dictate the type of packer necessary.

Will it be layered as compacted or just use the packer on top?

How about moisture content of the soil?

Egon

 

[teamjnz]

Thanks friends for the help.. I haven't been around a computer for nearly a week.

beenthere,
I will have to a soil engineer take samples before I have the concrete contractor do any work.

Thanks jim.. ya seems pricey. I looked around and I can rent a compactor for $500 daily. I have talked to a few dirt workers and they said a roller compactor would do the trick. That is why Im looking at this type of compactor

Egon
I am not sure of the soil but I know its not sandy, probably some clay since it gets real hard in the dry summer. Yes it will have to be layered then packed then layered and packed... Since it won't stop raining it is to wet to work. We have hard pan out here and the water just sits on it. On top is dry but right know I can dig down about 2-1/2 3 feet and hit mud.

Thanks Guys
teamjnz

 

[Darren]

The soils engineer will have to run Proctor tests to determine the relationship between soil density and mositure content. The curve that results will be used to determine the density that represents 95% compaction. Once you know that, a compaction test/s can be run to determine inplace density after the soil is compacted.

The engineer should also be able to tell you what piece of equipment would be suitable for compaction. A large sheepsfoot roller will need something to tow it over the area. those can be had used for about $5,000, maybe more, maybe less. You'll need something heavy enough to move it. They don't have brakes. Self propelled padfoot rollers cost from tens of thousands to upwards of $100K used in running condition.

The Hoelsher unit mentioned might work if it's heavy enough. Ask the soils engineer. Sheepsfoots can be found at the equipment section trader section on www.traderonline.net. I've also seen them parked in the weeds on contractor's lots for years on end. There're at least two in my area that haven't moved for quite awhile.

 

[Egon]

If its clay you will need a sheepfoot type packer. They do come in different sizes.

To determine the proper water content just take a sample of soil and roll it between your palms. If you and make a string out of it the moisture content will be close.

With a sheepfoot packer you'll have density when it starts to walk out. Remember to layer in new material as its doing this. Otherwise you get hard flat surface that do not bond with each other.

If in doubt ask the packer operator. He will tell and if he don't the grader operator sure will and in no uncertain terms.

Egon