Geotechnical characterization and soils classification for forest roads: Case study

Abstract

The study aimed to carry out geotechnical characterization and road classification for proper use of different local soils, as construction materials for forest roads. The study was performed in plantation forest areas in the municipality of Niquelândia, Goiás, Brazil. Predominant fine and course soils have been collected, which were called as SL and HA, respectively. Soil samples were submitted to appropriate geotechnical tests for road infrastructures, identifying the pertaining groups in accordance with the methodologies of TRB and MCT classifications. The results demonstrate that SL soil has predominant fraction of fine sand and low plasticity, classified as A-4(1) and LA’ groups, in according to TRB and MCT classifications, respectively. The supported tension for this soil reached 385.10 kPa on highest energy of intermediate compacting. The highest support capacity was reached on intermediate energy of compacting. For HA soil, the predominant fraction was fine gravel and it has fitted into TRB group as A-1-b soil. According to MCT methodology, SL soil is a priority material for base and subgrade of roads. The expected behavior for SL soil was satisfactory as a useful material for subgrade, whereas HA soil was considered as excellent, both in according to TRB classification. The capacity of SL and HA soils indicates they must be used as reinforcement of subgrade and base, respectively. For forest roads, SL soil is recommended for subgrade and HA for base or primary layer. © 2016, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. All Rights Reserved.