Which soil compaction method effectively uses vibrations?

The vibratory roller is specifically designed to utilize vibrations for soil compaction. This method involves the use of eccentric weights that create rapid oscillations, which increases the soil's density by allowing the particles to rearrange and settle closer together. As the vibratory roller moves over the surface, the vibrations penetrate the soil and help to reduce air voids, resulting in a denser compacted layer.

In contrast, other methods like the sheep foot roller are more focused on kneading and pressing the soil rather than employing vibrations. Sheep foot rollers have protruding feet that create pressure to compact the soil, but do not inherently use vibratory action. Steel-wheel rollers and smooth drum rollers also rely on static weight and the smooth surface area to provide compaction, which, while effective for certain applications, does not incorporate vibration for enhancing compaction effectiveness.

Hence, the vibratory roller stands out as the method that effectively uses vibrations, making it a preferred choice for higher efficiency in compacting various types of soil.