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06Dec 2022

Plate Tamper Work - Use and FAQs

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Introduction

Plate tamper machine is an essential tool for any construction project, are used to level out ground surfaces and provide a uniform surface before pouring concrete. It can be used to compact soil, gravel, asphalt and other materials quickly and easily. 

In this article, BISON supplier will take you to understand the working principle and advantages of plate compactors, and the differences with manual tampers.

Plate Tamper.jpg

What is a plate tamper?

Plate tamper, also known as a plate compactor or vibrating plate, is a type of compaction equipment used to compact and level uneven or rough surfaces. The main role of plate tamper is to reduce air pockets, increase the overall density and stability of compacted materials, and ensure a solid foundation for various construction projects such as roads, courtyards, and building foundations.

Plate tampers are designed in many shapes, sizes and models, from handheld units for small projects to highly automated industrial soil compactor machines for large construction projects.

The two most common types of BISON plate tampers are forward and reverse. Walk behind plate tampers are designed for unidirectional compaction and can be used to compact particles such as gravel and sand 8-12 inches in diameter. These models are ideal for smaller projects and areas with limited space. Reversible plate tampers, on the other hand, can be operated in both forward and reverse directions, allowing them to cover larger areas and accommodate different compaction requirements. Double sided models are ideal for medium depth layers 16-32 inches thick because they can reach deeper layers.

How does a plate tamper work?

Plate tampers typically consist of heavy-duty steel plates connected to a gasoline or diesel engine that generates vibrations, which then transmit the vibrations to the plates, causing them to move and exert pressure on the material below.

The area of the tamping plate of the tamper machine varies from 0.16m2 to 1.6m2, and the weight of the equipment varies from 100kg to 2 tons. The engine drives the eccentric hammer to run at high speed to generate compression force and increase the compaction effect on the ground. As the board weight increases, the ground becomes more compact, ensuring a stable and level surface.

The vibrations produced by the plate tamper cause the particles in the material being compacted to rearrange, filling voids and eliminating air pockets. This process results in a denser, more stable surface that can better support the weight and pressure of a building project.

Advantages of using BISON plate tamper

The benefits of using BISON plate tamper:

  • It helps in leveling and compacting gravel, dirt, and other rough or uneven surfaces.

  • Greater efficiency and safety when working on gravel and dirt surfaces.

  • There are many sizes, models and designs available by BISON supplier.

  • With the right model, user can work quickly and easily, resulting in improved results with less physical strain.

  • Plate tampers are also more effective than manual methods, as they use higher compaction forces.

Plate tampers are the ideal solution for compacting large areas as they help reduce labor costs and time spent on manual compaction methods. By distributing the compaction force evenly across the board, these machines ensure a consistent level of compaction across the surface. This even compaction is critical to creating a solid foundation that can withstand the demands of a variety of building projects, such as foundation stabilization or pavement resurfacing. Additionally, they can help reduce the risk of sinkholes or erosion caused by poor compaction.

plate-tamper-work-on-asphalt.jpg

Hand tamper vs Plate tamper

When it comes to soil compaction, two compaction methods commonly used in the construction industry are hand tamper and plate tamper. There are pros and cons to both technologies and the applications they are best suited for.

Hand tamper: traditional manual compaction

Hand tamper, consisting of a heavy flat metal plate attached to a long pole or handle, used for manually compacting soil and other materials. The operator physically pushes the hand tamper into the material, compressing it and removing air pockets.

Advantages of hand tampers:

  • Economical: Hand tampers are often more affordable than plate tampers, making them a cost-effective choice for smaller projects or those on a tight budget.

  • Easy to use: Hand tampers require minimal training and are easy to operate, making them ideal for inexperienced workers or DIY enthusiasts.

  • Portable: Its compact size and lightweight design make the hand tamper easy to transport and operate in tight spaces.

Disadvantages of hand tampers:

  • Limited Effectiveness: Hand tampers exert relatively little force and therefore compact less efficiently than plate tampers.

  • Labor Intensive: Manual tamper requires a lot of manual labor, which is labor intensive and time consuming, especially for large or complex projects.

  • Inconsistent Results: Due to the manual nature of the process, the compaction achieved by hand tamper may be uneven, potentially affecting the quality and stability of the final product.

Plate tamper: advanced mechanical compaction

BISON plate tampers are the modern alternative to robotic compactors. It has a large, flat metal plate that vibrates at high frequencies, creating considerable force to compact soil and other materials. Tampers are powered by gasoline or electric motors and are operated using a control panel or handle.

Advantages of plate tampers:

  • Increased Efficiency: The high frequencies and forces generated by plate tampers allow them to achieve a greater degree of compaction in less time than hand compactors.

  • Consistent results: Uniform vibration of the plate ensures a consistent level of compaction across the surface, resulting in a more stable and reliable end product.

  • Reduced labor: Because plate presses are mechanized, less physical effort is required to operate them, allowing workers to focus on other tasks and reducing the risk of injury.

Disadvantages of plate tampers:

  • Higher cost: Plate tampers are usually more expensive than hand tampers, which may deter some purchasers.

  • Limited mobility: Due to their size and weight, plate tampers can be difficult to transport and maneuver in confined spaces.

  • Noise and Vibration: Plate tampers produce noticeable noise and vibration, which can be disruptive and may require additional safety measures to protect workers.

In summary

In conclusion, the choice between a hand tamper and an plate tamper depends largely on the project scope, budget and desired level of compaction. Hand tampers are great for small projects or on a tight budget, while plate tampers deliver exceptional efficiency and results for larger, more demanding applications. BISON plate tamper is a versatile and essential piece of equipment used to effectively compact gravel and dirt surfaces. With this powerful tool, users can easily flatten and prepare their surfaces for construction or repair.

FAQs

Q: Can a plate tamper be used on millings?

A: Yes, but water must be added first and the moisture content should be between 15% and 20%.

Q: What is the average weight of a plate tamper?

A: There are different weight categories of plate tampers, with the heaviest models weighing 1,600 pounds. They typically weigh 425 pounds to 725 pounds.

Q: What is hand tamping?

A: Hand tamping is a process in which a tamper operator uses a handheld tool to press the soil and compact it into a stable surface. The vibration moves with a frequency of one to two cycles per second and very little strength, so it can only effectively pack soil for the first few inches. The ideal compaction approach can be achieved with just a few centimeters (or less) of additional tamping but at a great cost of human effort and time. 

Q: How does power affect the compaction process?

A: Compaction passes were reduced at higher power. The frequency was lower, at around 60Hz. The soil moisture should also be 11% water to 89% soil; creating mud slurries is wrong and can damage the surface.


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