The Development of the Embankment Compactor

摘要

As earthmoving productivity increased through mechanization and the use of mobile, free-traveling haulers instead of trains of dump cars, the need developed for high-production, efficient compaction equipment for use at the fill. The original means of compacting earthworks was of course primitive: tamping the fill under foot or hoof, or with a ram of some sort that was wielded by hand. The first mechanized compactor was probably the smooth-drum roller, which was pulled by stock and equipped with a frame that linked the tongue, the axle and a seat on top for the operator. With the advent of tractors powerful enough to pull them, this concept evolved into the sheepsfoot roller, a drum covered with padded spikes to imitate the compacting and kneading action of the hooves of a herd of sheep being driven along the fill.