Load Bearing Capacity Of Soil Research Articles

Predictability of boreal forest soil bearing capacity by machine learning

In forest harvesting, terrain trafficability is the key parameter needed for route planning. Advance knowledge of the soil bearing capacity is crucial for heavy machinery operations. Especially peatland areas can cause severe problems for harvesting operations and can result in increased costs. In addition to avoiding potential damage to the soil, route planning must also take into consideration the root damage to the remaining trees. In this paper we study the predictability of boreal soil load bearing capacity by using remote sensing data and field measurement data. We conduct our research by using both linear and nonlinear methods of machine learning. With the best prediction method, ridge regression, the results are promising with a C-index value higher than 0.68 up to 200m prediction range from the closest point with known bearing capacity, the baseline value being 0.5. The load bearing classification of the soil resulted in 76% accuracy up to 60m by using a multilayer perceptron method. The results indicate that there is a potential for production applications and that there is a great need for automatic real-time sensoring in order to produce applicable predictions.

Least Limiting Water Range and Load Bearing Capacity of Soil under Types of Tractor-Trailers for Mechanical Harvesting of Green Sugarcane

ABSTRACT The expansion of the sugarcane industry in Brazil has intensified the mechanization of agriculture and caused effects on the soil physical quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the limiting water range and soil bearing capacity of a Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico (Rhodic Hapludox) under the influence of different tractor-trailers used in mechanical sugarcane harvesting. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with five replications. The treatments consisted of green sugarcane harvesting with: harvester without trailer (T1); harvester with two trailers with a capacity of 10 Mg each (T2); harvester with trailer with a capacity of 20 Mg (T3) and harvester and truck with trailer with a capacity of 20 Mg (10 Mg per compartment) (T4). The least limiting water range and soil bearing capacity were evaluated. The transport equipment to remove the harvested sugarcane from the field (trailer) at harvest decreased the least limiting water range, reducing the structural soil quality. The truck trailer caused the greatest impact on the soil physical properties studied. The soil load bearing capacity was unaffected by the treatments, since the pressure of the harvester (T1) exceeded the pre-consolidation pressure of the soil.

Load dissipation by corn residue on tilled soil in laboratory and field-wheeling conditions.

Crop residues may partially dissipate applied loads and reduce soil compaction. We evaluated the effect of corn residue on energy-applied dissipation during wheeling. The experiment consisted of a preliminary laboratory test and a confirmatory field test on a Paleaudalf soil. In the laboratory, an adapted Proctor test was performed with three energy levels, with and without corn residue. Field treatments consisted of three 5.1 Mg tractor wheeling intensities (0, 2, and 6), with and without 12 Mg ha(-1) corn residue on the soil surface. Corn residue on the soil surface reduced soil bulk density in the adapted Proctor test. By applying energy of 52.6 kN m m(-3) , soil dissipated 2.98% of applied energy, whereas with 175.4 kN m m(-3) a dissipation of 8.60% was obtained. This result confirms the hypothesis that surface mulch absorbs part of the compaction effort. Residue effects on soil compaction observed in the adapted Proctor test was not replicated under subsoiled soil field conditions, because of differences in applied pressure and soil conditions (structure, moisture and volume confinement). Nevertheless, this negative result does not mean that straw has no effect in the field. Such effects should be measured via stress transmission and compared to soil load-bearing capacity, rather than on bulk deformations. Wheeling by heavy tractor on subsoiled soil increased compaction, independently of surface residue. Two wheelings produced a significantly increase, but six wheelings did not further increase compaction. Reduced traffic intensity on recently tilled soil is necessary to minimize soil compaction, since traffic intensity show a greater effect than surface mulch on soil protection from excessive compaction. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

MODELING OF SOIL LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL MECHANICAL RESISTANCE TO PENETRATION

Estimation of soil load-bearing capacity from mathematical models that relate preconsolidation pressure (σp) to mechanical resistance to penetration (PR) and gravimetric soil water content (U) is important for defining strategies to prevent compaction of agricultural soils. Our objective was therefore to model the σp and compression index (CI) according to the PR (with an impact penetrometer in the field and a static penetrometer inserted at a constant rate in the laboratory) and U in a Rhodic Eutrudox. The experiment consisted of six treatments: no-tillage system (NT); NT with chiseling; and NT with additional compaction by combine traffic (passing 4, 8, 10, and 20 times). Soil bulk density, total porosity, PR (in field and laboratory measurements), U, σp, and CI values were determined in the 5.5-10.5 cm and 13.5-18.5 cm layers. Preconsolidation pressure (σp) and CI were modeled according to PR in different U. The σp increased and the CI decreased linearly with increases in the PR values. The correlations between σp and PR and PR and CI are influenced by U. From these correlations, the soil load-bearing capacity and compaction susceptibility can be estimated by PR readings evaluated in different U.

In situ Determination of Load Bearing Capacity of Soils on the Airfields

The article presents the results of the earth structures’ bearing capacity evaluation and objectification for airfields by means of CBR (California Bearing Ratio) parameter. In order to quantify actual terrain conditions, in situ testing methods are advancing against laboratory testing. However, the optimal solution is to combine precise laboratory testing with in situ measurements. A correlation between CBR values and moisture content values of the backfilling soil of runway strips from earth structure of Žilina Airport was made within the frame of author's research activities. The CBR tests were performed on the clayey gravel specimens, which were prepared in the test cylinders used for a Proctor modified test. It has been found that the correlation allows determining of the moisture level to meet requirements of the RWY recommended by Aerodrome Design Manual [1]. The newest results of CBR in situ measurements on the aerodrome earth structures are also presented. CBR in situ values were objectified by the CLEGG device WS 32830. This device quantifies the value of rate of compaction from in situ tests based on CIV values (Clegg Impact Value) [2].

STERENGTHENING OF EXPANSIVE SOIL TO REDUCE SETTLEMENT

Stabilization is the main aim, to reduce the bearing capacity of expansive soil by using coated yarn geogrid. The supporting power of a soil or rock is referred to as its bearing capacity. Reinforced earth is a composite material, a combination of soil and reinforcement suitably placed in layers to resist tensile stresses. In case of soft soils geogrid is one which redistributes the stresses internally with locally available backfill materials. Ground improvement technique using geosynthetic material i.e. geogrid is done below foundation .Using this technique; we can improve stability of available expansive soil, and increase the load bearing capacity. With this it also controls the earthquake vibrating forces. Reinforcement of soil to improve the ground (weak soil) using a polymeric geosynthetic material i.e. coated yarn geogrid is applied below a square footing. To reduce the foundation settlement, bearing capacity of soil increased. This can also be implemented to many such weak places as road, railway ballast, airways, slopes, tunnels, etc. in various ways. Geotechnical engineers often deals with the soil bearing capacity and compaction quality of soils and non-cohesive sub-bases, as well as for soil improvement applications. Built-in soil layers can easily be tested without load abutment, facilitating quick assessments of test lots even under limited space conditions. Strengthening is carried out and the results of this method is measured and tabulated. The test results indicate that the soil reinforced by gogrid is very much effective to increase the load bearing capacity of soft soil.

Effect of Cement Stabilized Kaolin Subgrade on Strength Properties

Subgrade performance generally depends on the load bearing capacity of soil. This load is often affected by degree of compaction, moisture content and soil type. Poor subgrade should be avoided by removal, replace and add stabilizer agent to provide a suitable strength for subgrade. This study presents the effect of cement stabilizer on California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) for kaolin clay in low traffic volume road. The test conducted includes determination of liquid limits which leads to plasticity index for tested sample. Standard proctor test have been conducted to determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of kaolin clay by using soil stabilizer with 0, 7 and 13% of Ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The CBR and UCS was conduct to determine the strength of kaolin clay at optimum moisture content and 7 days curing period to obtain minimum strength of the soil. Finding of this study shows cement stabilizer effectively increase the strength of kaolin clay. 8 % of cement was found to be the optimum percentage of cement content value to be added into kaolin soil which complies with the Malaysia Public Work Department (PWD) specification.

Uso do solo e propriedades físico-mecânicas de Latossolo Vermelho

O preparo do solo, o tráfego de máquinas e o pisoteio animal em condições de umidade inadequada (consistência do solo no estado plástico) são alguns fatores que provocam deformações plásticas e não recuperáveis. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar e avaliar as propriedades físicas e mecânicas do solo para caracterizar o estado de compactação e a capacidade de suporte de carga em três áreas com diferentes usos (pastejo rotacionado, mata nativa e preparo convencional). Foram coletadas amostras com estrutura preservada nas camadas de: 0,00-0,05; 0,05-0,10; e 0,10-0,15 m de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. O uso do solo provocou alterações nos valores de densidade do solo (de 0,84 Mg m-3, na mata nativa, a 1,48 Mg m-3, no pastejo rotacionado), pressão de pré-consolidação (de 16,5 kPa, no preparo convencional, a 79,4 kPa, no pastejo rotacionado), índice de compressão (de 0,14, no pastejo rotacionado, a 0,77, na mata nativa), resistência à penetração (de 0,45 MPa, no preparo convencional, a 2,56 MPa, no pastejo rotacionado) e macroporosidade (de 0,35 m³ m-3, na mata nativa, a 0,03 m³ m-3, no pastejo rotacionado). O pisoteio animal intensivo em área de pastagem causou alterações na estrutura do solo, gerando níveis de compactação restritivos às plantas. As áreas de mata nativa e preparo convencional são as mais suscetíveis à compactação do solo, apresentando elevado índice de compressão e baixa pressão de pré-consolidação e densidade do solo.

Towards realistic designs of wind farm layouts: Application of a novel placement selector approach

The optimal arrangement of wind turbines plays a significant role in obtaining the expected output power from wind farms. This paper addresses challenges related to typical restriction assumptions of turbine arrangement in wind farms with candidate selection approach. An applicable hybrid (quadratic assignment problem-genetic algorithm) evolutionary method with an initial candidate points selection (ICPS) approach is proposed and applied to four case studies to obtain optimal layout designs with maximum efficiency. The current study considers not only the previously utilized indicators found in the literature, such as wake effects, turbine hub height and rotor diameter, but also accounts for additional criteria such as the load-bearing capacity of soil and restrictions regarding the existence of prohibited places as well as varying wind velocities and directions. This is done to make the approach more applicable for realistic cases, and also to incorporate the preferences of expert designers. The results suggest that superior performance is attained with the proposed algorithm compared to previous similar studies. An efficiency improvement of about 3% is achieved for case one, and the algorithm provides reasonable optimal wind farm design layouts for cases two, three, and four where more restrictions exist.

Problematic Soft Soil Improvement with Both Polypropylene Fiber and Polyvinyl Acetate Resin

Several methods are used to improve mechanical properties of loose soils including rewetting, soil replacement, compaction control, chemical additives, moisture control, thermal methods, and more recently, discrete fibers. All the methods are applied to soft soil to increase load bearing capacity and to improve other properties such as prevention of erosion and dust generation. In the present study, a new method of soil improvement using both discrete polypropylene (PP) fibers and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) is introduced. The method is applied to improve load bearing capacity of a problematic sandy soil in both dry and saturated states. Based on the results from CBR tests on various specimens, it has been revealed that the combination of PP fiber and PVAc resin with weight percentages of 0.1 and 0.6 %, respectively, had the optimum effect in increasing the CBR value in both saturated and dry soil specimens. It should be mentioned that this method has caused a great increase in the CBR value in the saturated soil.

Structural quality of soils cultivated with coffee and pasture in an environmental protection area

Studies of soils in Environmental Protection Areas (EPAs) are of great importance, because they are an essential component of ecosystems, directly interfering in environmental sustainability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural quality of soil cultivated with coffee and used as pasture in the Capituva's River microbasin, which is located in the Environmental Protection Area in Coqueiral, south of the state of Minas Gerais. Uniaxial compression test (preconsolidation test) and soil resistance to penetration were used. Undisturbed samples were taken from the surface layer (0-5 cm) of the soils in the area: a typic dystrophic Red Latosol (LVd - Oxisol), a typic eutrophic Red Argisol (PVe - Ultisol), and a typic dystrophic Haplic Cambisol (CXbd - Inceptisol). A significant linear positive correlation was observed between the results of the preconsolidation test and soil resistance to penetration. Load bearing capacity of soil could be estimated accordingly by means of penetration resistance for LVd, PVe, and CXbd. Cambisol - CXbd showed lower loading support capacity and resistance to penetration than LVd and PVe, due to the better crop management in this soil that resulted in higher physical quality which accounts for higher production and environmental sustainability.

Influence of fly ash on strength behavior of typical soils

Construction of any infrastructure over a weak or a soft soil is highly typical on the geo-technical grounds as the soil undergoes differential settlements, poor shear strength and high compressibility. Normally, the type of foundations varies depending upon the availability of soil strata as well as cost involvement. Sometimes, it is essential to have a high rise building over a weak soil, in such conditions, improvement of load bearing capacity of soil is very much essential. In these aspects, improvement of load bearing capacity of soil has been improved by adopting various techniques like soil stabilization, adoption of reinforcement etc. Generally, admixing technique in soil has an effective ground improvement because of its easy adaptability. Therefore, the present investigation describes the behavioral aspect of soils mixed with fly ash to improve the load bearing capacity of the soil. Three different types of soil have been considered using different percentage of fly ash ranging from 9 to 46% by weight of soil. The main objectives of the present investigation is to assess the usefulness of fly ash as a soil admixture, and focused to improve the engineering properties of soil to make it capable of taking more load from the foundation structures. This study also benefits the effective use of fly ash and thus cost effective method for improving the soil properties. The present study covers the characterization of soil, fly ash, compaction behavior, settlement, California bearing ratio, shear strength parameters ( C and φ) and swelling characteristics, etc.

Multilayer soil load bearing capacity (in serbo-croat) : Najdanovic, N; Obradovic, R Rud Glas, N3, 1981, P5–14

Multilayer soil load bearing capacity (in serbo-croat) : Najdanovic, N; Obradovic, R Rud Glas, N3, 1981, P5–14