Impact of load frequency on the laboratory transfer function for subgrade soil rutting behavior

Abstract

Subgrade soil performance and flexible pavement system responses are significantly influenced by loading parameters and environmental factors. The structural rutting in subgrades is especially important, as inadequate permanent strain rates may cause drainage issues that require costly rehabilitation. Unpaved roads are generally located in remote areas and characterized by heavy vehicles, exacerbating this problem. This study emphasizes how crucial load parameters—like amplitude and frequency—impact the accumulation of permanent strain under cyclic loading for different pavement subgrade soils. The research offers comprehensive insights into the behavior and interaction of two distinct subgrade materials, clay and silty sand, through cyclic triaxial testing under varying stress and moisture conditions. Analysis of the transfer curve reveals that frequency is critical in altering the function form, regardless of soil type, water content, or imposed load size. The findings underscore that frequency, more than any other factor, significantly impacts the behavior and characteristics of the pavement structure, making it a key parameter in understanding and predicting structure responses. Furthermore, for a maximum allowable resilient strain, the number of cycles may vary up to 70 times for frequencies ranging from 0.1 Hz to 0.3 Hz. This implies that damage can be accelerated by fewer heavy vehicle passes, especially when the road condition forces the speed to moderate speeds (low frequencies). Assessing the soil stability and rutting potential in situations involving large trucks travelling at slow speeds while carrying heavy loads is crucial. Designers should thus modify their damage criteria to account for these circumstances.