Which equipment is suitable for compacting select granular backfill within 36 inches of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall face?

Which equipment is suitable for compacting select granular backfill within 36 inches of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall face?

• A. Dual drum vibratory roller
• B. Padfoot roller
• C. Plate tamp
• D. Single drum vibratory roller

Answer: (C)

When it comes to compacting select granular backfill near a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall face, the use of a plate tamper (or plate compactor) is particularly suitable. This is primarily due to its design and the compaction method it utilizes. A plate tamp is compact and allows for precise control during the compaction process. It exerts a significant downward force, which is essential for consolidating granular materials in tight spaces, especially when working close to vertical structures like MSE walls. The smaller size and maneuverability of a plate tamper enable inspectors and operators to work effectively within the limited spatial confines near the wall, ensuring that the backfill is properly compacted without the risk of damaging the wall or causing instability in the surrounding soil. Other equipment options, such as a dual drum vibratory roller or a single drum vibratory roller, are generally used for more expansive areas rather than confined spaces. These machines require more space to operate effectively and may not be able to reach as close to the wall face without risking damage due to their larger footprint and the nature of their vibration, which might not be ideal for granular backfill in confined spaces. Similarly, a padfoot roller is primarily used for cohesive soils, which makes it

When it comes to compacting select granular backfill near a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall face, the use of a plate tamper (or plate compactor) is particularly suitable. This is primarily due to its design and the compaction method it utilizes.

A plate tamp is compact and allows for precise control during the compaction process. It exerts a significant downward force, which is essential for consolidating granular materials in tight spaces, especially when working close to vertical structures like MSE walls. The smaller size and maneuverability of a plate tamper enable inspectors and operators to work effectively within the limited spatial confines near the wall, ensuring that the backfill is properly compacted without the risk of damaging the wall or causing instability in the surrounding soil.

Other equipment options, such as a dual drum vibratory roller or a single drum vibratory roller, are generally used for more expansive areas rather than confined spaces. These machines require more space to operate effectively and may not be able to reach as close to the wall face without risking damage due to their larger footprint and the nature of their vibration, which might not be ideal for granular backfill in confined spaces. Similarly, a padfoot roller is primarily used for cohesive soils, which makes it