[neversatisfiedj]

What compactor are you guys using for res. patios ?

[Matt Kulp]

Base compaction or setting?

[jwholden]

I'm using a wacker with 3000 lbs compaction for 2-3 walks and patios a year. Had I known better I would have bought a reversible plate in the 5000 lb range to start.

[neversatisfiedj]

That is my debate. ICPI states now that you have to have at least 5000# for the base. 3ooo# for setting. I use a wacker 1550 like most others, that has around 3500#.

[uniscaper]

I use a DynaPac LF140 gives me 4725# of compaction yet is the same size as the 1550. It's a great machine.

[paponte]

I honestly don't see the need for such a large compactor for a patio or walkway. Raised patios, or vehicular applications I can see. A 4-6" base I think is no problem with a 3k compactor and water. If you really concerned I would just do smaller lifts. I honestly have never had a problem.

[Keith N]

Can a bigger compactor (vibratory/rammer) really do 6 inch lifts? I've always been taught to do small lifts. I think small lifts are easier to work with, but I'd love to be able to get a base done quicker than small lifts.

[neversatisfiedj]

Absolutly with a bigger compactor. There are some running on Ebay that have 600# of force that would easily do a 4" lift of aggregate for a great price. I am just concerned now that the ICPI states you must use a force of 5000# to compact. I do 2" lifts on my patios with a wacker 1550.

[mbella]

We use the Wacker 2540. If you can afford it, I recommend it. It's reversible and hits at 5600 lbs. C.F.

I recommend it because you can save labor by installing 4"lifts if you like and you can still run it over the pavers to compact the bedding layer post paver install.

We use it on all the jobs we do from the smallest walkway to multi-tiered patios. We use it for subsoil compaction, base aggregate compaction and for compacting the bedding sand, post paver install.

We don't use it on driveways because we typically sub out the excavation and base install up to the final lift of two inches.

In my opinion, this size compactor is the most versatile and gives the biggest bang for the buck.

[Keith N]

Originally posted by mbella

We don't use it on driveways because we typically sub out the excavation and base install up to the final lift of two inches.

Just curious how you finish the base. Small drives I'll do, but bigger drives I'll subout
Do you test the base before you finish the last 2 inches?

[mbella]

Originally posted by Keith N
Just curious how you finish the base. Small drives I'll do, but bigger drives I'll subout
Do you test the base before you finish the last 2 inches?

Keith, we don't test the base. My sub uses a Bomag single drum vibratory roller that hits at roughly 20,000lb. C.F. If we are installing 12 inches of base aggregate, I have him install two six inch lifts.

We've never had a problem with settlement.

[Stonehenge]

Something I haven't heard anyone talk about yet - soil types.

With the clay soils we have around here, I'm finally coming around to using a rammer anywhere near the foundation, because no plate compactor can do a similar job. I never would have thought it, but after seeing the 4" depression a small rammer left over an area where a 9,600# CF Bomag had been just before, my eyes were opened.

Then in checking around a bit, the civil engineering seems to corroborate it - use a rammer to pack clay soils.

[Keith N]

Jeff, What type of compactor are you talking about? A vibratory/ramming plate or a jumping jack type compactor.

[Stonehenge]

Jumping jack.

[neversatisfiedj]

Why only use the jumping jack near the foundation ? Instead of over the whole area ?