Who invented the first compaction roller?
by Michael Walsh A compaction roller is an item of construction equipment used to compact surfaces such as concrete, soil, gravel or macadam during the construction of foundations and roads. They are also used for landfill compaction, typically with a sheepsfoot roller pattern with the aim to achieve a compacted surface over and above a smooth one. Compaction rollers operate by using the weight of the vehicle to compress the surface they are driven over. Generally, initial compaction is performed by a roller with air filled tyres, which is better suited to the slightly un-even terrain of a newly laid road. The compaction roller with its smooth metal drum provides the final smooth finish. The very first compaction rollers were likely to have been horse-drawn and it’s possible that they could have been in use by the Romans who were prolific road builders in the 2nd century BC. In more modern history mechanised rollers were in use from the time of the invention of the steam roller, approx
