Frequently Asked Questions

It uses accelerometers on the roller drum to analyze vibration in frequency and time domains, calculating dynamic stiffness and other established intelligent compaction metrics such as Compaction Metre Value (CMV) to assess subgrade response across the site in real time.

The system correlates vibration data to material properties set during calibration, adapting to layer transitions and detecting underlying issues. Difficult sites with significant soil variation may require extra baseline testing.

Compactica maintains a database of compaction rollers for selection during project setup. If the project roller isn’t in the database, users must manually input the roller specs (drum size, weight). Users must enter project details like material type and laboratory testing results (gradation analysis, moisture content, Atterberg limits). 

Calibration occurs on a test pad during setup; recalibration is needed for new rollers or material shifts as data is roller-specific. If re-calibration is not complete when a different material is detected, the system reverts to a “control strip” method, where it maximizes compaction and reports the pass count to achieve the maximum. 

This system is optimized for area’s with GPS coverage and cannot currently be used without GPS. Compactica is developing an on-board inertial navigation system in 2025 to track roller movement even when GPS signal is lost. We are also currently in the process of developing our capabilities for non-roller equipment.

It infers moisture from vibration changes, flagging wet or dry spots on the heat map (e.g., no green if under/over-moist), aiding moisture-critical projects without direct measurement. 

It measures dynamic stiffness and other compaction metrics, correlating to Proctor and nuclear density gauge values, with complete lot measurement and real-time feedback.

Data collected from accelerometers cannot be manipulated. Accuracy relies on calibration and tamper-resistant design. 

It suits most geotechnical jobs (e.g., large-scale earthworks, roads, trenches, clays), benefiting contractors with efficiency and engineers with quality control. Compactica offers active and passive cost models so you are not charged  full cost while the unit is not in use.

It identifies soft spots via lower stiffness values and closely monitoring other important compaction metrics such as displacement, and highlights these areas on the project heat map for further analysis. Once a soft spot is realized, Compactica’s Geotechnical Rules algorithm runs continuously in the background over each consecutive roller pass to further categorize the soft spot and notify onsite personnel and the project geotechnical engineer. 

Input project information, then soil parameters which automatically sets expected vibration against existing soil database.

Our system gives you real-time insights using AI & Machine Learning to help you track progress, view a compaction heat map & non-compliance alerts directly to your email, cell phone or by logging into our user website. This can be viewed in real time or can be reviewed, pass by pass once complete..

Compactica will provide you with a detailed compaction report if requested during on-going project once the project is complete. This can be directly exported from our software to your email. The reports can be tailored to deliver exact insights and data for your specific site and data needed.

Yes, for the duration of our partnership you will have a full warranty for our system & it’s components. Once you contact our support team, we will work with you to get a new box in the mail within 1-2 business days to help ensure no lost down-time on your projects. 

Instead of thinking of our product as a Nuclear Density Gauge, it’s easier to think of it as more of a plate load test, which is being completed over every inch of the site, after every pass for every lift.

Compactica is installed using a retrofit installation kit consisting of 2 accelorometers, a GPS, a solar panel & a brain box. The installation takes 5-10 minutes approximately and can be uninstalled in the same amount of time.

Step 1:

Begin by installing the accelerometers. Identify the stationary side of your roller—this is typically the left side. Between the roller’s frame and the drum, you will find vibration dampeners. Mount one accelerometer on the inside of the dampener and the other on the outside. Ensure they are aligned with the center of the drum. Each accelerometer has a required orientation marked on top. Double-check this before securing them with the provided magnets.

Step 2:

Next, mount the GPS sensor on the roof of the roller, preferably on the same side as the accelerometers. If the roof is inaccessible, place it in a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.

Step 3:

Installing the Solar Panel (Visual: Solar panel placement on the roller) Secure the solar panel on the roller’s roof or another location with full sky exposure. Proper placement ensures optimal power supply to the system.

Step 4:

Mount the Brain Box vertically outside the roller’s cab. Secure it with the backup lanyard to a fixed point. If the cab is not an option, the Brain Box can be mounted on the frame of the drum as an alternative.

Step 5:

Connect all cables to the Brain Box, matching each cable’s color to the corresponding port. For the accelerometer cables, ensure proper orientation. The connectors should fit smoothly without force. Check that all wires have enough slack to accommodate the roller’s turning radius while avoiding excessive slack that could cause entanglement. We provide cable management hardware and a set-up video)

Step 6:

After a few seconds, scan the QR code on the box using your phone. Stay within range of the Brain Box. Turn on your brain box and your screen should display the number of connected sensors. After a few minutes, the system will fully initialize, displaying an overhead map.