Simulation of soil compaction with vibratory rollers

Abstract The combination of a vibratory roller and soil represents a closed-loop system. For the reactions of this system, differences between reasons and effects cannot be stated separately. By means of modelling and simulation, the vibrating behaviour as well as the compaction effect of vibratory rollers is investigated. For the representation of the interdependencies between roller and soil during compaction a calculation model is developed, consisting of two models. One is an analytical model for the roller and the other is a model which describes the qualities of the soil, relevant to compaction. When defining the mathematical model, the non-linearities of roller motion and ground deformation are considered through a distinction between bounce and contact operation as well as between elastic and non-elastic ground deformation. Simulation results verify that the calculation model for the roller/soil system is suitable for mathematically determining the vibration behaviour and the compaction effect of the roller. The simulation accordingly permits the computer-based trial of closed loops to optimize automatically the constructional and operational roller parameters. Furthermore, the quality of goal-directed design of vibratory rollers can be enhanced before prototypes are built. Expensive iteration loops between design and experiment can, therefore, be avoided.