Know Your Soil

 Atlas-Copco LT5005 rammer-jumping-jack-tamper

The following is a brief guide on how to address soil types. The Duke Company is here to assist you with any questions you might have with our expert advice. We have the equipment that is best suited for your project, including Atlas Copco rammers and compactors. Call us for your construction equipment needs and rentals — at (585) 292-9870 (Rochester NY) and (607) 347-4455 (Ithaca / Seneca NY).

 Or we can give you a quick quote via our web portal.

 

Clay Sticks Together

Clay particles stick together and you need high impact force to get the air out. Proper

moisture is important when compacting. Wet clay can be molded and dry clay becomes very hard and may crack under pressure. LT rammers are able to transmit the high pressures and shear forces necessary to compact clay at or below optimum water content.

clay

 

 

Silt Needs Force

Silt is not as cohesive as clay, but still needs proper water content for good compacting. The cohesive soils have the smallest particles of all soils. Silt particles are larger than in clay but they are still small enough to require high energy for deep compacting. A rammer is the best choice for compacting silt.

silt     silt2

silt3

 

 

Sand – Take It Gentle

For sand and gravel you can achieve high-density compaction in either a dry or saturated state. The level of compaction depends more on grading than moisture. Too much compaction of sand and gravel is like beating a concrete wall with a sledgehammer. It can crush the material and reduce the load bearing capacity.

sand

 

For the best customer service and fastest delivery in Upstate New York, call the Duke Company at (585) 292-9870 (Rochester NY) and (607) 347-4455 (Ithaca / Seneca NY).

Or we can give you a quick quote via our web portal.
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