A sheepsfoot roller is most suitable for compaction of which type of soil?

A sheepsfoot roller is most suitable for compaction of clay soils. This type of roller has large, rounded feet that penetrate the soil while compacting it, which is particularly effective in displacing and rearranging the particles of clay. Clay has unique properties, including its plasticity and the tendency to retain moisture, making it resilient yet challenging to compact effectively.

The sheepsfoot roller's design allows it to exert a significant amount of pressure on the soil as it rolls over, which helps to achieve a high level of density in clay. This is important in construction projects because proper compaction of clay soils contributes to the stability of the ground and reduces the risk of settlement over time.

In contrast, other soil types like gravel and sandy soils may be better suited for different compaction methods, such as vibratory rollers or pneumatic rollers, which apply consistent horizontal forces and vibrations that are more effective in those materials. Topsoil, being rich in organic matter, is typically not compacted in the same way as subsoils, as this can negatively affect its structure and drainage properties.