Soil Compaction South Africa is consolidating soil and fill in layers until it reaches the density your engineer or specification requires. Send one request and compare quotes from independent compaction contractors.
Share the area and compaction spec to get quotes.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Soil Compaction Includes
- Layer placement. Material spread in layers, usually 150 mm thick.
- Moisture control. Water added or material dried to the right moisture.
- Rolling. Compaction with the right plant for the material.
- Testing. Density tests to prove the specification is met.
Where It Is Used
- Building platforms. Before foundations and slabs.
- Backfill. Behind retaining walls and in trenches.
- Paving and driveways. Subbase under paving.
- Roads and yards. Layerworks for traffic.
Equipment and Methods
- Plate compactor. Paving and small areas.
- Rammer. Trenches and narrow spaces.
- Pedestrian roller. Driveways and paths.
- 10 to 12-ton roller. Platforms, roads and large areas, smooth or padfoot drum.
Soil Compaction Prices
Ballpark prices so you can check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Plate compactor hire, per day | R250 - R550 |
| Rammer hire, per day | R300 - R600 |
| Pedestrian double-drum roller hire, per day | R800 - R1,600 |
| 10 to 12-ton roller with operator, per hour | R550 - R900 |
| Compacted layerworks 150 mm, per m² | R25 - R70 |
| Field density test, per test | R150 - R450 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures, rounded, excluding VAT. They reflect typical South African contractor and plant hire rates. They are not our prices or quotations, and no provider is bound by them. Confirm what each quotation includes, such as transport, diesel, operator, tip fees and minimum hours.
Get prices for your site rather than a range. Send one request and compare replies.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Affects the Price
- Specification. Higher % Mod AASHTO targets need more passes.
- Material. Clay needs padfoot rollers and careful moisture.
- Number of layers. Each layer is placed, watered, rolled and tested.
- Testing. Lab testing adds cost but proves the work.
What to Include in Your Request
- Area and depth of fill.
- What will be built on it.
- Required density, for example 93% or 95% Mod AASHTO.
- Material type, or whether fill must be imported.
- Whether testing is required.
- Access and preferred start date.
Site and Access Considerations
- Thin layers. Compacting thick layers in one go leaves soft material underneath.
- Water supply. Compaction needs water. Confirm who provides it.
- Vibration. Big rollers can affect nearby buildings. Use smaller plant close to structures.
- Proof. Ask for test results before the next layer or the slab goes down.
Soil Compaction FAQs
What is Mod AASHTO?
A standard lab test giving the maximum density of a material. Field compaction is specified as a percentage of it.
Can I compact with a plate compactor?
For paving and thin layers, yes. Platforms and roads need rollers.
How is compaction tested?
Usually with a nuclear density gauge on site, compared against a lab result.
What happens if fill is not compacted?
It settles over time, cracking slabs, paving and walls.
Related Services
Request soil compaction quotes through Earthworks South Africa and compare rates, scope and availability from each provider.
Earthworks South Africa is a lead-generation and quote-comparison service. We do not own machinery, employ operators or carry out earthworks. Your enquiry is matched with independent providers who quote and do the work, and your contract is with the provider you choose. Ask for a written quotation that states the scope, quantities, rates, exclusions and timing before you pay a deposit.
Soil Compaction South Africa. Describe your job once and compare replies from independent providers.
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