Assessing depth of influence of intelligent compaction rollers by integrating laboratory testing and field measurements

One concern usually expressed about the implementation of Intelligent Compaction (IC), especially in tandem with modulus-based spot tests, is the uncertainty in the depth of influence of different devices. The depth of influence is mainly contingent upon the weight, dimensions, and operating settings of the employed roller as well as the characteristics of the underlying materials. This study attempts to evaluate the depth of influence of IC rollers using simulated and field data. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate proof-mapping of the roller on compacted geomaterials. That FE model was used to carry out an extensive parametric study that considered the nonlinear behavior of the geomaterials and the roller operating conditions including static and vibratory movements at stationary and moving conditions for single- (subgrade only) and two-layered (subgrade and base) geosystems. Different test sites were instrumented using in-ground sensors to conduct vibratory IC tests with several instrumented IC rollers for further assessment and verification of the depth of influence. The estimated field, as well as numerical results, indicate a dependency between the depth of influence and the type of geomaterial. The depth of influence increases when geomaterial becomes more granular and decreases with an increase in the cohesion of the geomaterial.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the depth of influence of IC rollers using simulated and field data, finding a dependency between the depth of influence and the type of geomaterial. The depth of influence increases with more granular geomaterial and decreases with an increase in the cohesion of the geomaterial.