Pneumatic Rammers: Soil Compaction With Pneumatic Rammers, Their Technical Characteristics, Manual Pneumatic Ramming And Other Types

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

During construction, an important part of the work is the availability of the necessary tools. It allows you to achieve significant success in the shortest possible time, both in quality and in the speed of the process. One of these types of equipment is pneumatic rammers, which allow a large working volume.

Peculiarities

The pneumatic rammer is a tool for compaction of various surfaces, mainly loose and prepared for future development . The foundation is the most important part of the building, because not only strength, but also the integrity of the structure depends on its quality. To quickly and effortlessly compact soil, sand, gravel and other similar materials, a pneumatic rammer is best suited.

It is worth mentioning the features of this type of technology, as well as identifying the main technical characteristics

1. Simplicity . Since this tool does not need detailed and special study, any builder and even a person without experience can cope with it. The main factors are the correct preparation and selection of a suitable model.
2. Diversity . In terms of their types, pneumatic rammers do not differ in fuel and electric, which is inherent in most models of such equipment, but each manufacturer equips products with different functions. Do not forget about the various modifications designed for specific construction conditions. There are many models from a large number of manufacturers on the market, so the selection of the right tool is not difficult.
3. The ability to work manually . Unlike full-fledged vibrating plates, pneumatic rammers are simpler in structure, therefore, their operation and maintenance are also elementary. Here it can be noted that each model can differ significantly qualitatively, as the scope of application can also differ.
4. Small size . The rammers are more compact compared to large, full-fledged construction equipment. In this regard, transportation, possible repair and operation are much easier and possible in the living conditions of a house or summer cottage.
5. Versatility . Rammers are used in many areas of construction, for example, in laying roads, sidewalks, laying tiles, sand and other bulk materials that form the basis of the foundation. Also, this tool allows you to effectively interact with soil of various densities and moisture levels.
6. Price . Considering the simplicity of the design and the large assortment from different manufacturers, the pneumatic rammer is relatively cheap in comparison with similar construction equipment, which is designed to work on large-scale objects.

Now it is worth listing the main characteristics, the study of which will allow you to better understand the technique of such a plan

1. Dimensions and weight . As mentioned earlier, pneumatics does not have extensive dimensions, therefore, working with this tool does not cause any particular difficulty, and also does not require special construction qualifications. The dimensions and weight of the model are individual and depend on the application. Naturally, the more powerful and versatile the device is, the larger its dimensions and weight will be. If we are talking about simple domestic use, then in this case the equipment has less weight, which improves mobility and expands the possibilities for transportation.
2. Piston . A part that performs one of the most important functions, namely, is responsible for the movement of the entire device. The physical parameters of the pistons may vary. Accordingly, the better the performance, the more reliable and efficient the rammer is.
3. Union . This part serves to supply air to the tool, after which, through other mechanisms, the rammer begins to provide a vibration shock to the surface.
4. Air diffuser . As the name implies, this part of the device is responsible for switching compressed air flows, which allows you to change the intensity of the tool.
5. Valve handles . The part with which the worker contacts the most. It would seem that the handles are a fairly simple part of the rammer, but their role is much more important. This is especially true for long working sessions, where the poor quality of the handles can affect the ease of use of the equipment.
6. Frame . The basis of the rammer, on which many factors depend. First of all, it is the strength of the structure. When doing a lot of work and taking on a lot of force, the chassis must be able to withstand significant peak loads. It should be noted that the material used to make the body is important not only for strength, but also for the lightness of the instrument. Modern technologies make it possible to use high-quality raw materials from which a strong and at the same time lightweight structure can be made, so carefully consider the quality of this part of the device.

Description of species

Pneumatic rammers are divided into three types.

Manual

The standard model, which is equipped with all the necessary rammer functions. It is worth mentioning a large assortment of manual units. As noted earlier, the main advantage of hand tools is ease of use . As for the cost, the price range varies depending on the final configuration and technical equipment, because this allows you to do more work and has a positive effect on the durability of the device.

Do not forget that resistance to mechanical damage is also one of the most important advantages of manual rammers. This feature allows you to work with materials of different densities and physical properties.

Of course, such a tool takes practice, but in general, an ordinary person can also handle it.

Vibration proof

The main difference between a vibration-proof rammer and a conventional manual rammer is the presence of a special handle, the main purpose of which is to damp vibration using the energy of compressed air, and not a shock-absorbing spring. Usually, vibration-proof models are used in steel mills to work with layer-by-layer compaction of molding sands.

Since the operating time in a factory is much longer than in a domestic environment, the vibration protection function improves convenience and allows a person to less fatigue while using this device. In addition to steel production, this type of rammer is used in road construction, and is also used to compact the soil in places where large and massive equipment cannot be used due to its irrationality in small areas.

Compared to hand-held models, vibration-resistant ones are more expensive.

Manual electric

This type of rammer is the most expensive and is designed for a fairly narrow range of applications. The thing is that these units are needed to seal the lining. It is a lining with various refractory, wear-resistant and heat-insulating materials of the inner parts of furnaces, ladles, boilers and other heating equipment.

Due to the special arrangement of the lining, specialized equipment is required for its sealing, which requires not only reliability, but also the utmost accuracy . A distinctive feature of this type of technique is the presence of attachments of different shapes. Do not forget about electricity consumption, since these models are equipped with batteries.

Accordingly, among the assortment, it is worth dividing manual electric rammers in terms of power and versatility.

Criterias of choice

First of all, before buying, you must clearly understand which pneumatic rammer is best suited for the task at hand. Exactly determination of the type of equipment is the most important part of tool selection, as the price difference is significant. Next, pay attention to characteristics … They are the result of many factors, but in the end, these are the indicators that you should rely on.

Don't forget about dimensions and weight … If you need to compact the soil in the country or a suburban area, then the important question is transportation … Of course, here you need to understand the relationship between the performance of the tool and its size, so the choice of a model should be made deliberately, and not on one or several grounds.

It should be said about material that you will be working with. It is very important to consider its density, the degree of moisture, as well as how the pneumatic rammer of your choice will work with this component. For example, the selection of models for concrete, sand or paving slabs varies significantly . An incorrectly chosen technique can, for example, easily damage paving slabs.

Of course, after determining the appropriate type of rammer, start to proceed not only from the technical characteristics, but also from the reviews . It is very useful to study them in connection with the experience of real people who have already tried the technique and can talk about all the advantages and disadvantages of the model. Sharing such experience will allow you to avoid mistakes when choosing a tool. Concerning prices , then in this component the range is as wide as the scope of application of the pneumatic rammer is varied.

The manufacturer of the equipment also matters . If you are already positively familiar with the technique of one of the companies offering rammers, then there is no need to doubt the quality of the chosen model.

Sometimes it is very useful to study the documentation of the device, if possible.

Operating tips

Since the tamping process itself is a preparation for construction, it is worth carefully considering the operating conditions of the device. The basis of the work is the condition of the surface during compaction . It should not contain any foreign objects, stones, debris and anything that could negatively affect the final result. After cleaning the place, monitor the condition of the treated substance. If it is sufficiently wet, settled or dense, then this should be taken into account during the working process.

When using the rammer for the first time, start using it gradually and at low power . The working session should not last long, after which it is worth increasing the load. Ignoring these safety measures can lead to rapid wear and tear of the equipment and a decrease in the quality of its work.

We must not forget about the instruction manual, which contains all the basic information on such things as the use of technology, the possible causes of its breakdown and ways to eliminate them.