SOIL COMPACTION CAUSED BY HIGH AXLE LOADS - REVIEW OF CONCEPTS AND EXPERIMENTAL-DATA

Current concepts, theoretical analysis and experimental data on soil c ompaction under high axle loads are critically reviewed and analyzed. Based on theoretical considerations and experimental data it is sugges ted that subsoil compaction is expected to occur under specific condit ions (wet, homogeneous, and deep soil under high contact pressures). M easured changes in soil bulk density, physical properties, and crop yi elds (published in the literature), attributed to high axle load induc ed soil compaction, are not uniquely proven and can be attributed to o ther processes as well. Further research directed towards understandin g and forecasting changes of soil properties under traffic loads is re commended.