Characterizing bulk modulus of fine-grained subgrade soils under large capacity construction equipment

Abstract

This paper focuses on characterizing the volumetric stiffness behavior of fine-grained subgrade soil at three different moisture states using a newly proposed hydrostatic compression test procedure. The deformation properties obtained from a laboratory testing program were used to determine bulk modulus at varying hydrostatic stress states, and moisture states chosen at optimum moisture content, 3% below and 3% above the optimum. The test results are analyzed, and used to develop regression correlation models for the soil sample tested. These models can be used for evaluating the impact of moisture on bulk modulus of fine-grained soils with similar characteristics for their sustainable use in foundation applications under off-road construction and compaction equipment.