| Scope and method of study. Effects of wheel load and wheel track width on density distribution in soil samples were evaluated. To study the effect, four experiments were conducted; namely, the laboratory experiment, the soil bin experiment and two field experiments. Boussinesq's stress distribution equation was modified by introducing two parameters, A and B, to model density profiles. Parameters A and B were determined experimentally using the data from the laboratory test. Moisture content was added to the model as a correction factor. This model was validated by modeling density values at any given location using the data from laboratory and soil bin experiments. The compaction pattern was analyzed in terms of area, maximum depth and width that an iso-density line encloses.;Findings and conclusions. The modified Boussinesq's equation was adequate to predict density values at any given location within a soil sample for any given set of loading variables. The prediction was especially accurate for an average predicted density value in the seed zone. Wider tracks tended to compact larger area, penetrate deeper and spread wider, but resulted in lower-density compaction. On the other hand, narrower tracks tended to compact a small area, penetrate shallower, and spread a shorter distance, but resulted in higher-density compaction. |
