A term used in compacting soil or base that represents the vertical height in inches between compactions. A compactor, depending on the size is able to compact 6″ to 12″ of soil or base. A lift that is too large could result in poor compaction and compromise stability whereas a lift that is too small would result in excessive costs and time. Lift thickness typically range from 6 to 12-inches depending on specifications.
EXAMPLE:
The first figure below show about 6 inches being compacted then adding another 6 inches and compacting that. The second drawing show the first 6 inches compacted and then adding about 12 inches of soil and compacting at the surface of the 12 inches. The compactor being used can only compact u 6 inches in depth leaving a middle section uncompacted.
