Laboratory and Numerical Investigation for the Mobility of Ground Vehicles on Soft Clay

Abstract

The mobility of ground vehicles on soft, fine-grained soils is hindered by low traction and reduced load-bearing capacity, posing significant challenges for heavy-duty vehicles, such as military transport and construction equipment. Enhancing vehicle stability on these terrains is essential for improving operational efficiency. To enhance the understanding of vehicle mobility on weak soils, this research integrates experimental geotechnical testing and numerical modeling to investigate clay-tire interface behavior and evaluate the effectiveness of fiberglass matting systems in improving soil performance, respectively. The laboratory investigation of the clay-tire interface by performing direct shear tests is a part of a bigger project aimed at enhancing the mobility of off-road vehicles on wet deformable soils. The findings from these experiments will be utilized to calibrate and validate the material constitutive models necessary for developing a predictive numerical model for vehicle mobility. In parallel, in a second project, a physics-based numerical model is developed to simulate the performance of fiberglass mats over soft soils under the effect of repeated heavy traffic. The model incorporates cyclic loading conditions to mimic, in a simplified manner, multi-pass rolling tire loads. This numerical model will contribute to the understanding of the effectiveness of fiberglass mats in enhancing vehicle mobility and stability under heavy traffic loads.