In construction work, the ground needs to be adequately compressed and smoothened. To get the desired results, you need to use the right roller.
Did you know that construction is among the top 10 most dangerous jobs? As a business, you should do your best to ensure a safer working environment for yourself and your employees. Ensuring you provide adequate fall protection, inspecting scaffolding regularly, and hiring the right people will get you closer to a safer working environment.
An understanding of roller types is essential for construction projects. Here are the different types of rollers and their uses to help you choose the best machine.
1. Pneumatic Rollers
Pneumatic rollers/compactors from Boom&Bucket are customarily used for pavements. They help to smooth out a finished project. These rollers work best with cold-laid bituminous pavements or layers of loose soil.
These types of rollers are also referred to as tired pneumatic rollers. They have several rows of rubber tires in the front and back, creating an 80% coverage area. One of the key features of these rollers is the uniform pressure throughout the width of the tires.
2. Sheepsfoot
Also known as Padfoot or tamping rollers, a sheepsfoot roller is fitted with many rectangular-shaped feet (lugs). These rollers are known to compact faster than static rollers.
The mechanical force created by the tapered lugs enables the drum to compact and knead the soil at higher depths. As a byproduct, sheepsfoot rollers are regularly used to compress clays or silts.
3. Static Rollers
There are two varieties of static (smooth wheeled) rollers: single and double drum rollers. The single drum roller is generally used for creating foundations, highways, and sidewalks.
The double (tandem) drum rollers are quickly and efficiently used for large surfaces like asphalt.
4. Vibratory Rollers
Vibratory rollers are a piece of heavy-duty equipment very similar to static rollers, with one main difference. These rollers are equipped with a specialized vibrating component.
Vibratory rollers are the most effective when working with sandy and gravelly soil. Construction materials like asphalt and concrete have natural spaces. A vibratory roller will ensure the structural integrity of a building.
5. Grid Rollers
Grid rollers have steel bars that make a grid-like pattern on a steel drum. The most notable feature of this roller is the high contact pressure provided with little kneading. This type of roller is typically towed behind a tractor.
Subgrade and sub-base road projects often require grid rollers to compact well-graded soil and weathered rocks.
6. Cylindrical Rollers
A person pushes these traditional, lightweight rollers. These rollers are typically used in small, private projects, especially yard work.
These rollers are generally made from iron, stone, or concrete. Cylindrical rollers are highly versatile tools and are especially helpful in tight spaces or for minor jobs. They provide responsive steering and variable speeds, letting you accurately manage the outcome of your project.
Rollers are excellent at restoring and repairing surfaces, making them among the most reliable heavy-duty equipment to use on a project. Understanding the advantages of each roller might help you choose the best one for your job.
