Improved compaction
David White of Iowa State University reported on an investigation of Caterpillar's new compaction technology. The system measures the energy needed to move a roller through fill—the stiffer or more compact the soil, the less energy needed to move the roller. The weight and diameter of the roller are also part of the equation.
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Phase 1 results show a "high level of promise" for using machine–soil interaction as a compaction indicator. A significant advantage is that it gives 100 percent coverage in real time. "It also may lead us to do testing that we aren't right now," White said.
Read Phase 1 of Field Evaluation of Compaction Monitoring Technology. The Phase 2 report is expected to be available in December 2005.