Which roller type is designed to compact layers of soil from 3 to 12 inches?

The steel-wheel roller is particularly well-suited for compacting layers of soil between 3 to 12 inches in thickness. This type of roller typically has heavy steel drums that can effectively exert significant pressure on the soil surface, allowing for enhanced compaction. It is commonly used in earthwork projects, particularly where a high-density finish is required for the surface to support subsequent construction activities.

The operation of a steel-wheel roller involves applying static weight directly to the soil, which efficiently compresses the soil particles together, reducing air voids and increasing overall soil density. This is crucial for the stability of the ground in preparation for building foundations or roadways.

In contrast, other roller types serve different purposes or are optimized for varying soil conditions. The sheep foot roller, for instance, is specifically designed to compact softer, cohesive soils with deeper layers and is not as effective in compacting layers in the specified range as the steel-wheel roller. The vibratory roller utilizes a different mechanism that is more suited for granular materials, facilitating quick compaction through vibration rather than solely relying on weight. Lastly, the smooth drum roller, while versatile, does not provide the same level of compaction for thicker layers compared to the steel-wheel roller.

Thus, the steel-wheel roller