Finite element modeling of the interaction of a treaded tire with clay-loam soil

In the present study, a treaded tire-soil interaction model was developed and its results were validated with laboratory data. In the laboratory test plaster molding was used to obtain contact area and contact volume. Experimental and FEM modeling results for output parameters such as the contact area, contact volume, and rolling resistance showed close agreement. Increasing soil moisture significantly decreased the maximum contact pressure transmitted to soil due to an increase in tire-soil contact area. Also, increasing soil moisture, increased the effect of stress on the soil, which, in turn, increased soil deformation in each layer and consequently the total soil sinkage. In all three levels of moisture tested in this study, an increase in vertical load and tire inflation pressure increased the tire-soil contact volume. At a constant soil moisture level, tire inflation pressure variations affected compaction at the top-soil layers and did not affect compaction changes in the sub-layers. Moreover, variations of the vertical load on the tire changed compaction at the top and sub-soil layers significantly.