Abstract
The applicability of the typical pressure–sinkage models used to characterize the soil’s bearing properties is limited to homogeneous soils (infinite thickness) that have no hard layer. At a given depth, a hard layer can have a considerable impact on the soil’s load-bearing capacity. It is thus necessary to alter the pressure–sinkage equation by taking this condition into account when assessing the load-bearing capacity. The present paper aims to determine a simple, high-fidelity model, in terms of soil characterization, that can account for the hard layer affection. To assess hard layer affection in this paper, a plate sinkage test (bevameter) was conducted on sandy loam soil. To this end, the soil was prepared by considering three bulk densities and two soil thickness levels at 7–9% moisture content levels. According to the results, this paper put forth a new perspective and related equations for characterizing bearing performance. The sinkage modulus (k) is an intrinsic soil parameter that has a determined unit of N/cm2 and is significant for managing the bearing performance. The results showed that the new modulus sinkage model incorporates the main factor of the rigid layer effect involving high fidelity that the conventional models have failed to account for.
Highlights
In an off-road environment, the key factor impacting vehicle mobility and wheels’ sinking and slipping is soil deformation [1,2,3,4]
The mechanical properties of the soil can restrict the traction of machine mobility [5,6]
To verify pressure–sinkage models, experiments involving flat, rigid plates are used, and the parameters are established based on the results [7]
Summary
In an off-road environment, the key factor impacting vehicle mobility and wheels’ sinking and slipping is soil deformation [1,2,3,4]. Several studies have tried developing empirical models through which the pressure–sinkage relationship can be characterized. These models assume that the soil from the surface to the required depth is homogeneous [16]. Bernstein and Goriatchkin were the first to put forth the earliest empirical model that could characterize the pressure–sinkage relationship for terrain [17]. Their model formed the basis for numerous improved models [7,18,19,20,21].
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