Applications like military, agriculture, and extra-planetary explorations require the successful navigation of vehicles across different types of terrain like soil, mud, and snow. As the properties of the terrain heavily influence the interaction with the tire, it is necessary to characterize the terrain from a tire performance and vehicle mobility perspective. Failure to properly understand the tire-terrain interaction can lead to undesirable conditions like loss of vehicle mobility due to excessive sinkage. As a result, it is essential to understand the tire terrain interaction between an off-road tire and a sandy terrain. This study was done to assess the performance of tires in both pure slip (only traction and braking) and combined slip conditions (steering and acceleration). A single-wheel indoor test rig was used to conduct tests under different conditions and a force transducer was used to capture the forces and moments generated in the tire hub. In addition to this, the tire footprint was captured with the help of a light-based 3-D scanner. Key parameters were defined in the 3D scan, and these parameters were correlated to the input test conditions. Additionally, a grid of force sensors was made, and measurements of the normal force acting at a depth below the undisturbed terrain were taken. Inferences were made about the linear speed of the wheel and the length of the pressure bulb under the tire. / Master of Science / Several applications like military, extra-terrestrial exploration, and motor racing require vehicles to navigate off-road terrains like soil, snow, and ice. The tire interacts with these off-road terrains very differently from the way it interacts with the road. It is important to understand this interaction correctly as this interaction generates all the forces needed by a vehicle to perform various maneuvers like acceleration, braking, and turning. If not accounted for properly, there can be undesirable conditions like loss of vehicle mobility due to excessive sinkage in sand. Tests were performed where an off-road tire ran on a non-cohesive, loose soil under different slip ratios, slip angles, and camber angles in an indoor test rig. The forces and moments acting on the tire during the tests were measured and its variation with input conditions was studied. A light-based 3D scanner was used to capture the tire rut profile on the soil after each test. The important parameters of the tire rut were defined and the variation of these parameters with input parameters were studied. Additionally, the stresses developed below the soil surface were measured with the help of a sensor grid, which was also used to verify the linear speed of the tire and infer the length of the zone inside the soil that is affected by the tire.

The multiangle submerged jet test device (JTD) provides a simple in situ method of measuring streambank critical shear stress (Ï c) and soil erodibility (kd). Previous research showed streambank kd and Ï c can vary by up to four orders of magnitude at a single site; therefore, it is essential to determine if the large range is due to natural variability in soil properties or errors due to the test method. The study objectives were to evaluate the repeatability of the JTD and determine how it compares to traditional flume studies. To evaluate the repeatability, a total of 21 jet tests were conducted on two remolded soils, a clay loam and clay, compacted at uniform moisture content to a bulk density of 1.53 g/cm^3 and 1.46 g/cm^3, respectively. To determine the similarity between JTD and a traditional measurement method, JTD Ï c and kd measurements were compared with measurements determined from flume tests. The JTD kd and Ï c ranged from 1.68-2.81 cm³/N-s and 0.28-0.79 Pa, respectively, for the clay loam and 1.36-2.69 cm³/N-s and 0.30-2.72 Pa, respectively, for the clay. The modest variation of kd and Ï c for the remolded soils suggests the JTD is repeatable, indicating the wide range of parameters measured in the field was a result of natural soil variability. The JTD median kd and Ï c, except clay loam kd (clay loam kd = 2.31 cm^3/N-s, Ï c = 0.45 Pa; clay kd = 2.18 cm^3/N-s, Ï c = 1.10 Pa) were significantly different than the flume values (clay loam kd = 2.43 cm³/N-s, Ï c = 0.23 Pa; clay kd = 4.59 cm³/N-s, Ï c = 0.16 Pa); however, considering the range of potential errors in both test methods, the findings indicate the multiangle submerged jet test provides reasonable measurement of erosion parameters in a field setting. / Master of Science

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2016-10-14T13:21:58Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Uilka Elisa Tavares.pdf: 1803918 bytes, checksum: 380b8dbceae5654d3c33c4bdc07364fd (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-14T13:21:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Uilka Elisa Tavares.pdf: 1803918 bytes, checksum: 380b8dbceae5654d3c33c4bdc07364fd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-02 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / In agriculture there is now great concern about the quality of the soil, because of this interfere with the full flowering of the cultures, where compaction is one of the most investigated due to their probability of occurrence in soils managed with farm implements. For this study, some parameters have provided good precision of soil quality, among them, the physical indices, organic carbon, soil mechanical resistance to penetration, tension precompaction and compressibility index. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the physical, mechanical and chemical properties to indicate soil compaction and structure of spatial dependence into the area. It was selected an area of Cohesive Argissolo from Tabuleiro Costeiro, cultivated with cane sugar, from about 1.44 ha was established in which a square mesh of 49 points, evenly spaced 20 m apart, for the removal of soil for analysis. Samples were collected at two depths: 0.00 to 0.20 I 0.20 to 0.40 m. It was analyzed the soil texture, bulk density, water content, porosity, moisture content and maximum dry bulk density, both obtained by the Proctor Normal test, degree of compaction, organic carbon, resistance to penetration, compress index and tension precompaction, obeying Embrapa's or ABNT’s methodology for the analysis. The results were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and Pearson correlation. Was also investigated the spatial dependence of variables by geostatistical tool, obtaining semivariogram and the maps of distribution of variables. Spatial dependence was found in all variables, whose scope ranged from 20.25 to 90 m away, indicating that some variables can be collected at longer distances, in case future research in the area. The moisture and soil texture showed a good correlation among themselves and with other variables. The document is divided into three chapters: the first presents a review of scientific research concerning the areas of Tabuleiros Costeiros, its characteristics and problems that this type of soil may suffer due to bad management, its consequences and methods of identification soil degradation. In chapter 2, was investigated the occurrence of spatial dependence of soil physical properties and organic carbon present in its structure. In chapter 3, the susceptibility of soil compaction was investigated using mechanical and physical attributes and subsequent correlation between data. / Na agricultura atual existe grande preocupação com a qualidade do solo, em virtude desta interferir no pleno desenvolvimento das culturas, onde a compactação é um dos fatores mais investigados devido a sua grande probabilidade de ocorrência em solos manejados com implementos agrícolas. Para esta investigação, alguns parâmetros têm proporcionado boa precisão da qualidade do solo, entre eles, pode-se estacar os índices físicos, o carbono orgânico do solo, a resistência mecânica do solo a penetração, a tensão de pré-compactação e o índice de compressibilidade. Desta forma, o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi analisar parâmetros físicos, mecânicos e químicos que indicassem provável compactação do solo e sua estrutura de dependência espacial ao longo da área. Foi selecionada uma área de Argissolo Coeso de Tabuleiro Costeiro, cultivada com cana-de-açúcar, de aproximadamente 1,44 ha na qual foi estabelecida uma malha quadrada de 49 pontos, eqüidistantes 20 m entre si, para a retirada de solo para analise. Foram coletadas amostras em duas profundidades: 0,00 – 0,20 m e 0,20 – 0,40 m. Foram analisadas a textural do solo, densidade, umidade, porosidade, densidade seca máxima e umidade critica, ambas obtidas pelo ensaio de Proctor Normal, grau de compactação, carbono orgânico, Resistência a penetração, índice de compressão e tensão de pré-compactação, obedecendo-se a metodologia da Embrapa ou ABNT para as analises citadas. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos a análise estatística descritiva e correlação de Pearson. Também, investigou-se a dependência espacial das variáveis, através da ferramenta geoestatistica, com obtenção de semivariograma e os mapas de distribuição das variáveis. Foi encontrada dependência espacial em todas as variáveis, cujos alcances variaram de 20,25 a 90 m de distancia, indicando que algumas variáveis podem ser coletadas em maiores distâncias, no caso de pesquisas futuras na mesma área. A umidade e a textura do solo apresentaram boa correlação entre si e com as demais variáveis. O documento está estruturado em 3 capítulos: no primeiro, apresenta-se uma revisão das pesquisas científicas referentes às áreas de Tabuleiros Costeiros, suas características, bem como problemas que este tipo de solo pode sofrer devido ao mau manejo, suas conseqüências e métodos identificação da degradação do solo. No Capítulo 2, foi investigada a ocorrência de dependência espacial de atributos físicos do solo e do carbono orgânico presente em sua estrutura. No Capitulo 3, a susceptibilidade do solo a compactação foi investigada através de seus atributos físicos e mecânicos e posterior correlação entre os dados.

Em geral, as recomendações normativas sugerem a utilização de materiais granulares para a construção de estruturas em solo reforçado, principalmente devido à sua elevada resistência ao cisalhamento e boa capacidade de drenagem. No entanto, nem sempre há disponibilidade deste tipo de material no entorno das obras, tornando o uso dos solos finos imperativo para a viabilização desta solução. No Brasil, solos residuais finos são encontrados em abundância e, muitas vezes, apresentam excelentes parâmetros de resistência ao cisalhamento e baixa compressibilidade. Contudo, o seu uso pode induzir poro-pressões indesejáveis durante a construção ou cisalhamento do aterro reforçado. Por outro lado, as elevadas sucções matriciais que podem persistir em seu interior geram um aumento na estabilidade dos maciços reforçados. Neste contexto, este trabalho apresenta os resultados experimentais e discute o efeito da variação climática (umedecimento e secagem) na resistência de interface solo coesivo-fita polimérica de uma estrutura de contenção em solo reforçado. Os ensaios foram realizados com amostras compactadas de um solo residual de gnaisse típico da cidade de São Paulo e uma fita polimérica de alta aderência. Os corpos de prova foram submetidos a ensaios de cisalhamento direto e de arrancamento sob três diferentes níveis de tensão normal e de sucção, além da condição inundada. Ensaios triaxiais saturados (CU) e não saturados (CW) foram realizados para a determinação da envoltória de resistência tridimensional do solo, avaliação da eficiência da interação solo-reforço e para a verificação do comportamento da água intersticial durante o cisalhamento. Os resultados indicam que o solo coesivo em questão apresenta excelentes parâmetros de resistência ao cisalhamento, elevada capacidade de se manter sob pressões negativas da água intersticial e uma eficiente interação com as fitas poliméricas, o que possibilitaria a execução de estruturas estáveis quanto ao arrancamento dos reforços. Além disso, sugerem um crescimento não linear da máxima resistência de interface com o aumento da sucção matricial do solo e uma tendência de redução dos coeficientes de atrito aparente solo-reforço (f*) com o umedecimento das amostras. Porém, mostraram que a sucção matricial exerce pouca influência na resistência residual da interface solo reforço. / Current specifications for reinforced soil structures generally require the use of granular backfill due to their high strength, well drainage capacity and low volume change potential. However, in cases where granular fills are not easily and readily available, poorly draining soils should be used to enable the implementation of a mechanically stabilized earth wall (MSEW). In Brazil, the fine-grained residual soils that cover large areas of its territory frequently present high shear strengths and low compressibility. However, the use of cohesive soils can cause unwanted effects in structure stability due to the water content variations of the backfill soil, and the potential development of pore-water pressures or loss of strength. On the other hand, matric suctions may increase the soil-geosynthetic interface shear strength. In this context, this study presents the experimental results and discusses the effects of seasonal climatic variations (wetting and drying) on shear strength of soil-geosynthetic straps interfaces under unsaturated conditions. For the laboratory investigation, a compacted residual soil of gneiss composed of 80% silty sand passed through a 0.075mm sieve, sourced from São Paulo city, and a high-tenacity polyester strap were used. Direct shear and pullout tests were conducted with three different net normal stresses and levels of matric suction, besides the inundated condition. Triaxial tests under saturated (CU) and unsaturated (CW) conditions with suction measurement using a high capacity tensiometer were performed in order to evaluate the shear strength parameters of the unsaturated soil, the interface efficiency of the soil-geosynthetic strap and the pore water pressure variations during shear. The results indicate that the cohesive soil used in this study has excellent shear strength parameters, a high capacity to maintain negative pore water pressures and presents an efficient interaction with the geosynthetics straps, which would allow the implementation of a stable MSEW for failure by pullout. Furthermore they reveal that the peak shear strength of the soil-geosynthetic strap interface increases nonlinearly with the soil suction, while the apparent friction factor (f*) decreases with the increase in molding moisture contents. On the other hand, the effect of suction on the post-peak shear strength of the interface was negligible.

Em geral, as recomendações normativas sugerem a utilização de materiais granulares para a construção de estruturas em solo reforçado, principalmente devido à sua elevada resistência ao cisalhamento e boa capacidade de drenagem. No entanto, nem sempre há disponibilidade deste tipo de material no entorno das obras, tornando o uso dos solos finos imperativo para a viabilização desta solução. No Brasil, solos residuais finos são encontrados em abundância e, muitas vezes, apresentam excelentes parâmetros de resistência ao cisalhamento e baixa compressibilidade. Contudo, o seu uso pode induzir poro-pressões indesejáveis durante a construção ou cisalhamento do aterro reforçado. Por outro lado, as elevadas sucções matriciais que podem persistir em seu interior geram um aumento na estabilidade dos maciços reforçados. Neste contexto, este trabalho apresenta os resultados experimentais e discute o efeito da variação climática (umedecimento e secagem) na resistência de interface solo coesivo-fita polimérica de uma estrutura de contenção em solo reforçado. Os ensaios foram realizados com amostras compactadas de um solo residual de gnaisse típico da cidade de São Paulo e uma fita polimérica de alta aderência. Os corpos de prova foram submetidos a ensaios de cisalhamento direto e de arrancamento sob três diferentes níveis de tensão normal e de sucção, além da condição inundada. Ensaios triaxiais saturados (CU) e não saturados (CW) foram realizados para a determinação da envoltória de resistência tridimensional do solo, avaliação da eficiência da interação solo-reforço e para a verificação do comportamento da água intersticial durante o cisalhamento. Os resultados indicam que o solo coesivo em questão apresenta excelentes parâmetros de resistência ao cisalhamento, elevada capacidade de se manter sob pressões negativas da água intersticial e uma eficiente interação com as fitas poliméricas, o que possibilitaria a execução de estruturas estáveis quanto ao arrancamento dos reforços. Além disso, sugerem um crescimento não linear da máxima resistência de interface com o aumento da sucção matricial do solo e uma tendência de redução dos coeficientes de atrito aparente solo-reforço (f*) com o umedecimento das amostras. Porém, mostraram que a sucção matricial exerce pouca influência na resistência residual da interface solo reforço. / Current specifications for reinforced soil structures generally require the use of granular backfill due to their high strength, well drainage capacity and low volume change potential. However, in cases where granular fills are not easily and readily available, poorly draining soils should be used to enable the implementation of a mechanically stabilized earth wall (MSEW). In Brazil, the fine-grained residual soils that cover large areas of its territory frequently present high shear strengths and low compressibility. However, the use of cohesive soils can cause unwanted effects in structure stability due to the water content variations of the backfill soil, and the potential development of pore-water pressures or loss of strength. On the other hand, matric suctions may increase the soil-geosynthetic interface shear strength. In this context, this study presents the experimental results and discusses the effects of seasonal climatic variations (wetting and drying) on shear strength of soil-geosynthetic straps interfaces under unsaturated conditions. For the laboratory investigation, a compacted residual soil of gneiss composed of 80% silty sand passed through a 0.075mm sieve, sourced from São Paulo city, and a high-tenacity polyester strap were used. Direct shear and pullout tests were conducted with three different net normal stresses and levels of matric suction, besides the inundated condition. Triaxial tests under saturated (CU) and unsaturated (CW) conditions with suction measurement using a high capacity tensiometer were performed in order to evaluate the shear strength parameters of the unsaturated soil, the interface efficiency of the soil-geosynthetic strap and the pore water pressure variations during shear. The results indicate that the cohesive soil used in this study has excellent shear strength parameters, a high capacity to maintain negative pore water pressures and presents an efficient interaction with the geosynthetics straps, which would allow the implementation of a stable MSEW for failure by pullout. Furthermore they reveal that the peak shear strength of the soil-geosynthetic strap interface increases nonlinearly with the soil suction, while the apparent friction factor (f*) decreases with the increase in molding moisture contents. On the other hand, the effect of suction on the post-peak shear strength of the interface was negligible.

En el presente trabajo se expone el uso del agua salina y/o agua de mar como sustancia en la mejora de los parámetros geotécnicos del suelo no cohesivo, procedente de los distritos de Villa El Salvador, Chilca y el balneario de Asia al sur de Lima, indicando los efectos del agua salina sobre estos. Además, se presentan los resultados de este suelo sin adición de agua salina, que en adelante se considerará como condiciones iniciales; y el método de aplicación del agua salina, que en adelante se denominará condiciones finales, con el fin de observar cuál es su comportamiento y el efecto que dicha sustancia causa en este suelo. También se analizan algunos aspectos de este proceso, a través de los resultados obtenidos dentro del laboratorio, para, de esta manera, tener no solo una apreciación visual sino también evidencia y registro de lo realizado mediante equipos especializados. / This work presents the use of saline water or seawater as a substance in the geotechnical parameters improvement of the non-cohesive soil from the districts of Villa El Salvador, Chilca and The Asia bay in southern Lima, indicating the effects of saline water on these. In addition, the results of this soil are presented without the addition of saline water, which here in after are considered as final conditions, in order to observe what it’s behavior is and the effect that causes this substance on this soil. Also, some aspects of this process are analyzed, through the results obtained in the laboratory, to obtain, in this way, not only a visual appreciation but also the evidence and record of that has been done through specialized equipment. / Tesis

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar el desempeño geotécnico del suelo arcilloso de alta plasticidad de la urbanización Sudamérica en Talara- Piura, mediante la incorporación de dos materiales reciclados polvo cerámico (PCR) y yeso (YSR). En primer lugar, se optó por clasificar el suelo en estados natural el cual se caracterizó por ser una arcilla de alta plasticidad, para luego realizar los ensayos de contenido de humedad, granulometría y límites de consistencia. En segundo lugar, se analizó la muestra con las dos adiciones incorporadas con porcentajes de 2.5%, 5% y 7.5% de YSR y 5%, 10% y 15% de PCR, con el propósito de analizar cuál fue la influencia de las adiciones en la densidad seca y la resistencia a la compresión no confinada del suelo adicionado. Finalmente, los resultados de laboratorio analizados demostraron que la incorporación de los agentes estabilizadores de YSR y PCR aumentan en 7.5% en la densidad máxima seca y 13.5% en el óptimo contenido de humedad respecto a los valores iniciales del suelo en estado natural. Además, la resistencia a la compresión no confinada incrementó, de un valor promedio, de 6.3 kg/cm2 a 28.8 kg/cm2. Estos resultados muestran que al incorporar las adiciones de PCR y YSR son un método valido de implementación frente a fuerzas de compresión, ya que aumentan la capacidad resistente del suelo. / This research aims to evaluate the geotechnical performance of the highly plastic clay soil of the South American urbanization in Talara-Piura, by incorporating two recycled materials: ceramic powder (PCR) and gypsum (YSR). In the first place, it was decided to classify the soil in natural states which was characterized by being a clay of high plasticity, and then carry out tests for moisture content, grain size and consistency limits. Secondly, the sample was analyzed with the two additions incorporated with percentages of 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% of YSR and 5%, 10% and 15% of PCR, in order to analyze what was the influence of the additions in the dry density and unconfined compressive strength of the added soil. Finally, the analyzed laboratory results showed that the incorporation of the stabilizing agents of YSR and PCR increase by 7.5% in the maximum dry density and 13.5% in the optimal moisture content with respect to the initial values of the soil in the natural state. Furthermore, unconfined compressive strength increased, from an average value, from 6.3 kg / cm2 to 28.8 kg / cm2. These results show that incorporating the additions of PCR and YSR are a valid method of implementation against compression forces, since they increase the resistant capacity of the soil. / Tesis

Capacity analysis is a common preliminary step in the design of offshore foundations. Inaccuracies in traditional capacity analysis methods, and the advancement of numerical modelling capabilities, have increasingly led designers to optimise foundations using more complex methods. In this thesis, the ultimate limit state capacity of a range of foundation types is investigated using finite element limit analysis. Novel three-dimensional finite element limit analysis software is benchmarked against analytical solutions and conventional displacement finite element analysis. It is then used to find lower and upper bounds of foundation capacity, with adaptive mesh refinement used to reduce the bound gap over successive iterations of the solution. Rigid foundations subjected to short term loading on clay soil are analysed. The undrained soil is modelled as a rigid--plastic von Mises material, and attention is given to modelling any normal and/or shear stress limits at the foundation/soil interface. Shallow foundations, suction anchor foundations, and hybrid mudmat/pile foundations are considered. Realistic six degree-of-freedom load combinations are applied and results are reported in the form of normalised design charts, and tables, that are suitable for use in preliminary design. Relationships between loading combinations and failure mechanisms are also explored. A number of case studies based on authentic foundation designs are analysed. The results suggest that finite element limit analysis could provide an attractive alternative to displacement finite element analysis for preliminary foundation design calculations.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / In this thesis, an explicit time integration code which integrates multibody dynamics and the discrete element method is used for modelling the excavation and moving operation of cohesive soft soil (such as mud and snow) by bulldozers. A soft cohesive soil material model (that includes normal and tangential inter-particle force models) is used that can account for soil compressibility, plasticity, fracture, friction, viscosity and gain in cohesive strength due to compression. In addition, a time relaxation sub-model for the soil plastic deformation and cohesive strength is added in order to account for loss in soil cohesive strength and reduced bulk density due to tension or removal of the compression. This is essential in earth moving applications since the soil that is dug typically becomes loose soil that has lower shear strength and lower bulk density (larger volume) than compacted soil. If the model does not account for loss of soil shear strength then the dug soil pile in front of the blade of a bulldozer will have an artificially high shear strength. A penalty technique is used to impose joint and normal contact constraints. An asperity-based friction model is used to model contact and joint friction. A Cartesian Eulerian grid contact search algorithm is used to allow fast contact detection between particles. A recursive bounding box contact search algorithm is used to allow fast contact detection between the particles and polygonal contact surfaces. A multibody dynamics bulldozer model is created which includes the chassis/body, C-frame, blade, wheels and hydraulic actuators. The components are modelled as rigid bodies and are connected using revolute and prismatic joints. Rotary actuators along with PD (Proportional-Derivative) controllers are used to drive the wheels. Linear actuators along with PD controllers are used to drive the hydraulic actuators. Polygonal contact surfaces are defined for the tires and blade to model the interaction between the soil and the bulldozer. Simulations of a bulldozer performing typical shallow digging operations in a cohesive soil are presented. The simulation of a rear wheel drive bulldozer shows that, it has a limited digging capacity compared to the 4-wheel drive bulldozer. The effect of the relaxation parameter can be easily observed from the variation in the Bulldozer's velocity. The higher the relaxation parameter, the higher is the bulldozer's velocity while it is crossing over the soil patch. For the low penetration depth run the bulldozer takes less time compared to high penetration depth. Also higher magnitudes of torques at front and rear wheels can be observed in case of high penetration depth. The model is used to predict the wheel torque, wheel speed, vehicle speed and actuator forces during shallow digging operations on three types of soils and at two blade penetration depths. The model presented can be used to predict the motion, loads and required actuators forces and to improve the design of the various bulldozer components such as the blade, tires, engine and hydraulic actuators.