ANALYSIS OF THE TRAFFIC LOAD–INDUCED STRESSES OF EMBANKMENT

Abstract

This article represents traffic loads on the road structure distribution and evaluation of the vertical and horizontal stresses formation in the soil embankment. This evaluation allows to predict the depth and intensity of the propagation of additional stresses resulting from traffic loads. The calculations were performed in accordance with four normative documents applied in Lithuania, which define the loads on the road structure. The obtained results showed that the area to which the load is distributed has the greatest influence on the intensity of stresses and the distance of propagation. The maximum horizontal stress in the embankment was found to be no more than 70 kPa and the maximum stress propagation depth did not exceed 0.9 m. The results can be applied to a triaxial test apparatus to restore horizontal stresses in the embankment. It is recommended to select a lateral pressure from 20 kPa to 70 kPa for tests provided with triaxial test device. The mechanical properties of the soil determined with triaxial test device and recommended lateral pressure would be representative of the test results obtained in the field of embankment.