In large areas, compaction should be done in lifts of how many inches?

Compaction is a critical process in construction and site development, particularly to increase the density of soil and improve its load-bearing capacity. When dealing with large areas, it is essential to perform compaction in manageable lifts—thicknesses of material that can be compacted effectively.

For lifts that are too thick, the underlying soil may not experience sufficient compaction, leading to inadequate density and potentially compromising the stability of the structure being built on it. Lifting and compacting the material in increments of 6 to 8 inches strikes a good balance. This thickness allows for effective penetration of the compaction equipment, ensuring that the soil is adequately compacted down to a suitable depth.

Compacting in lifts of 6 to 8 inches helps avoid issues with voids or poorly compacted sections, which can lead to problems such as settlement or shifting in the future. Generally, following this guideline improves the overall quality of the engineered fill and ensures a stable foundation for the subsequent structures or surfaces placed upon it. Therefore, the recommended lift thickness of 6 to 8 inches is optimal for effective and efficient compaction in large areas.