Modelling the resilient modulus of Ontario subgrade soils considering the environmental influences

Z Han

In the proceedings of: GeoVancouver 2016: 69th Canadian Geotechnical Conference

Session: FUNDAMENTALS - IV Soil & Rock Mechanics

ABSTRACT: This paper presents an experimental program devoted to determine the resilient modulus of typical Ontario subgrade soils considering the influence of moisture content and suction for assisting the implementation of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) in Ontario. Experimental results of a silty clay from Toronto and a marine clay from Ottawa are determined following MEPDG testing protocols and interpreted. These results suggest a significant variation of resilient modulus with respect to the moisture content and suction. A simple equation is used to model the resilient modulus - suction relationships. Good comparisons are achieved between the measurements and predictions. In addition, the influence of freezing and freeze-thaw cycles on the hydraulic and mechanical properties of subgrade soils are reviewed considering: i) Ontario subgrade soils are high in silt content and are susceptible to freezing; ii) Ontario experiences significant temperature fluctuations annually; and iii) Freeze-thaw cycles have a significant influence on the resilient modulus. Studies summarized in this paper are helpful for better understanding and modelling the influence of soil moisture content and temperature on the pavement material properties using the mechanics of unsaturated soils.

RÉSUMÉ: du Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) en Ontario. Nous déterminons les résultats expérimentaux interprétation. Ces résultats suggèrent une variatiavec l'aspiration. Les bonnes comparaisons sont établies entre les mesures et les prévisions. En outre, l'influence de la congélation et cycles gel-dégel sur les propriétés hydrauliques et mécaniques des sols de fondation sont examinés en tenant compte: i) des sols de fondation de l'Ontario qui ont une teneur élevée en limon et sont sensibles au gel; ii) que -dégel ont une dent à une meilleure chaussée à l'aide de la mécanique des sols non saturés.

Please include this code when submitting a data update: GEO2016_3763

Access this article:
Canadian Geotechnical Society members can access to this article, along with all other Canadian Geotechnical Conference proceedings, in the Member Area. Conference proceedings are also available in many libraries.

Cite this article: