What is the main advantage of using a smooth-wheel roller?

The main advantage of using a smooth-wheel roller is its effectiveness in compacting granular soils. This type of roller has a heavy, flat surface that exerts uniform pressure on the ground as it moves, making it highly efficient for compacting loose materials such as gravel, sand, and crushed stone. The smooth surface facilitates even distribution of weight across the area being compacted, which helps eliminate air pockets and increases density.

Granular soils tend to have good drainage properties and are more amenable to compaction when using a smooth-wheel roller. This technique is essential in construction and road building, where a stable, properly compacted foundation is needed for long-lasting structures.

While the other options mention abilities that might pertain to different types of equipment or rollers, they do not align with the specific capabilities of a smooth-wheel roller. For instance, excavating rock is typically not a function of this roller; it’s better suited for compacting rather than breaking up materials. Additionally, while a smooth-wheel roller can compact certain soils, it is not versatile across all soil types, as cohesive soils like clay require different equipment to achieve effective compaction. The suggestion that it can lift heavy loads efficiently is more applicable to cranes or forklifts, not rollers, which are