Hydraulic and earth engineering – Earth treatment or control – Compaction
Patent
1997-12-23
1999-12-21
Taylor, Dennis L.
Hydraulic and earth engineering
Earth treatment or control
Compaction
73573, 73579, 318128, 364153, 404117, 40413305, 405303, E02D 302, E01C 1930
Patent
active
060040769
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the monitoring of soil compaction using a compaction machine which applies periodic impact blows to the soil surface.
In one application of the invention, it is applicable to the monitoring of soil compaction by an impact compactor. The term "impact compactor", as used initially in U.S. Pat. No. 2,909,106, refers to a soil compaction machine which incorporates an out-of-round mass which produces a series of impact blows to the soil surface when towed or otherwise driven over that surface. The compactor mass of an impact compactor has multiple sides defining a series of spaced apart salient points on its periphery, each salient point being followed by a compacting face. As the impact roller is towed or moved over the soil surface, it rises up on each salient point and then falls forwardly and downwardly as it passes over that point, with the result that the following compacting face applies an impact blow to the soil surface. The action of the mass is therefore to store potential energy as it rises up on each salient point and then to deliver this energy as an impact blow.
Impact compactors as described above have been found to work well in practice in achieving high levels of soil compaction, even at substantial depths below the soil surface. However a problem which is encountered during compaction of a site is that of non-uniformity of soil and other conditions over the site, leading to non-uniform compaction over the site.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring the level of compaction of a soil surface undergoing compaction by means of a impact compactor which includes at least one rotatable, multi-sided compactor mass which applies periodic impact blows to the soil surface when rolled over that surface, wherein data related to the level of compaction of the soil surface is derived, during compaction of the soil surface, from the deceleration of the compactor mass as it impacts the soil surface.
The method preferably includes the step of monitoring the deceleration of the compactor mass by means of at least one accelerometer mounted on the impact compactor in such a position as to undergo movements corresponding to those of the compactor mass.
Preferably also, the method comprises visibly displaying information related to the level of compaction of the soil surface as the compactor mass is rolled over the soil surface. The information may, for instance, be displayed to the operator of the impact compactor. Alternatively or in addition, the information may be displayed at a location remote from the impact compactor.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention data related to the level of compaction of the soil surface is automatically correlated with data related to the geographical position of the impact compactor, the latter data typically being obtained with the use of a global positioning system. With such an arrangement it is possible for a site engineer to obtain full information, during compaction, showing the state of compaction of a soil surface across the compaction site. Accuracy in compacting the site can also be obtained with a refinement of the method in which a visible display is generated to indicate to the operator of the impact compactor whether the movement of the impact compactor on a compaction site is in accordance with predetermined criteria. In response to this display, the operator is continuously in a position during compaction to alter the course of the impact compactor to conform to the predetermined criteria, typically a pre-programmed grid pattern covering the site.
Data related to the level of compaction of the soil surface may be continuously logged in a data logger for the purposes of later downloading such information after compaction of the soil surface.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a soil compaction apparatus comprising: mass shaped to apply periodic impact blows to the soil surface when rolled over that sur
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Berrange Aubrey Ralph
Cook Eric Johnstone
Compaction Technology (Soil) Limited
Taylor Dennis L.
LandOfFree
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