Question

Can single drum rollers be used for asphalt paving?

What factors influence the compaction efficiency of a vibratory road roller?

How does a road compactor improve pavement durability and lifespan?

What type of soil compactor is best suited for clay or wet ground conditions?

Do vibratory rollers use vibration on the front drum only, or on both front and rear?

Accepted Answer

Single drum rollers are suitable for compacting the sub-base or base layers during road construction. However, when it comes to finishing the asphalt surface, double drum rollers are much more effective. Their dual-drum design ensures smoother and more uniform compaction, helping achieve the desired surface finish and structural durability.

Accepted Answer

Several elements affect how efficiently a vibratory roller compacts the ground, including soil type, moisture content, and layer thickness. Granular soils such as sand and gravel respond well to vibration, making them easier to compact. In contrast, cohesive soils such as clay may require additional moisture to achieve optimal compaction results.

Accepted Answer

A road compactor enhances pavement performance by eliminating voids between material layers, which helps prevent premature failures like cracks or potholes. It increases the structural strength of the road, improves load-bearing capacity, and ensures uniform density throughout the surface. This not only reduces long-term maintenance needs but also provides smoother and safer driving conditions, especially under heavy traffic or harsh weather.

Accepted Answer

For wet or clay-heavy soils, vibratory rammers (diesel-powered) are often the most effective solution thanks to their ability to deliver strong impact force in challenging environments. For larger or more demanding jobs, reversible plate compactors are ideal, offering greater weight and dual-direction movement to improve compaction results in muddy or soft terrain. For smaller-scale tasks on slightly damp surfaces, single-direction plate compactors (typically 50–120 kg) can be used to compact sand, base layers, or areas along curbstones efficiently.

Accepted Answer

Vibratory rollers are available in different configurations. Some models feature vibration only on the front drum (commonly known as combination rollers), while others are designed with dual vibratory drums that apply vibration to both front and rear. The choice depends on the model and the compaction needs of the project.