Soil strength and load bearing capacity measurement techniques

Abstract

In this research, the interest will be given to studying the load bearing capacity and strength of soil terrain, resulting from machine-soil interaction. A small introduction will define terramechanics studies and its importance when dealing with machine-terrain interaction. The axial load acting on a terrain will lead to the sinkage of the machine, thus considering this load will help in studying the load bearing capacity of the soil and ending up with results that are beneficial to terramechnaics studies, so improvement in the machine design or choosing the suitable machine for specific terrain. This review shows the studies and models that researchers obtained and dealt with regarding the load bearing capacity. The techniques and the measurements used in finding the load bearing capacity of soil will be explained (Bevameter, Cone penetrometer).

Soil Spectral Behavior Related to Its Load-Bearing Capacity Based on Moisture Content

“…The most important mechanical properties reflecting the strength of the soil are the load-bearing capacity and the shear strength [4,5]. If the normal pressure resulting from the wheel on the soil exceeds the load-bearing capacity of the soil, the wheel sinks into the soil by compacting the soil [6], and if the applied pressure is of a value less than the bearing capacity of the soil, the wheel will remain on the surface and the motion of the vehicle will not be influenced. The shear strength of the soil is what keeps the material intact and prevents internal shear failure when a shearing force is applied to it; thus, the wheel will not slip due to internal shear failure in the soil material (the shear stress applied is less than the shear strength) [7].…”

“…The soil becomes more compact as the moisture increases [11]. The change in the moisture content of the soil changes its mechanical properties, thus influencing its load-bearing capacity [6].…”