Smooth drum rollers are probably the most traditional type of equipment used for compaction of
soils and asphalt pavements (which are actually just soils stabilized with bituminous admixtures). This
type of equipment applies a uniform static load over the width of the drum and has the advantages of
providing 100% coverage and a smooth finished surface. Smooth drum rollers can apply a modest static
pressure (typically about 300-380 kPa = 45-55 lb/in2 ), which may be adequate to compact thin layers of
aggregate base coarse but may not apply sufficient pressure for other soil types or greater layer
thicknesses. These types of rollers have been found to be ideal for compacting paving mixtures. Smooth
rollers have also been found to be useful for proof rolling, which is a means of confirming uniform
compaction or identifying “soft” spots that may require additional compaction.
Smooth drum rollers type imparts static compression to the soil. There may be two or three large
drums; if three drums are used, two large ones in the rear and one in the front is the common pattern.
The compaction pressure are relatively low because of a large contact area. This type appears to be more
suitable for compacting granular base courses and paving mixtures for highway and airfield work rather
than for compacting earth fill. The relatively smooth surface obtained acts as a sort of a ‘seal’ at the end
of a day’s work and drains off rain water very well. The roller is self-propelled by a diesel engine and
has a weight distribution that can be altered by the addition of ballast to the rolls. The common weight
is 80 kN to 100 kN (8 to 10 t), although the range may be as much as 10 kN to 200 kN (1 to 20 t). The
pressure may be of the order of 300 N (30 kg) per lineal cm of the width of rear rolls. The number of
passes varies with the desired compaction; usually eight passes may be adequate to achieve the
equivalent of standard proctor compaction.
Pneumatic (rubber tire) rollers are designed to apply very high static loads that
are effective at compacting a wide range of soil types, and have been widely used
for compaction of roadway bases, sub-bases, and asphalt mixes. Due to the
configuration of alternating high-pressure tires and gaps between tires, these
compactors also contribute some kneading action that can enhance the compaction.
These machines may have up to seven or nine wheels, and larger versions can apply
pressures up to 1000 kPa (145 lb/in2 ) (Murthy, 2003). The individual tires can move
up and down a small amount independently, which enables them to find small soft
spots that may be missed by other types of drum rollers, providing better uniformity
for uneven lifts.
This type compacts primarily by kneading action. The usual form is a box or
container—mounted on two axles to which pneumatic-tyred wheels are fitted; the
front axle will have one wheel less than the rear and the wheels are mounted in a
staggered fashion so that the entire width between the extreme wheels is covered.
The weight supplied by earth ballast or other material placed in the container may
range from 120 kN (12 t) to 450 kN (45 t), although an exceptionally heavy capacity
of 2000 kN (200 t) may be occasionally used. Some equipment is provided with a
“Wobble-wheel” effect, a design in which a slightly weaving path is tracked by the
travelling wheels; this facilitates the exertion of a steady pressure on uneven ground,
which is very useful in the initial stages of a fill.
The weight of the roller as well as the contact pressure is an important parameter
for the performance; the latter may be varied from 0.20 to 1 N/mm2 (2 to 10 kg/cm2)
through the adjustment of air pressure in the tyres. Although this type has originated
as a towed unit, self propelled units are also available. The number of passes required
is similar to that with smooth wheeled-rollers.
This type is suitable for compacting most types of soil and has particular
advantages with wet cohesive materials.
