Numerical Simulation of Impact Rollers for Estimating the Influence Depth of Soil Compaction

The use of impact rollers has increased for many decades over a wide variety of applications in various parts of the world. Many manufacturers have made claims that impact compaction rollers could have an effect to 1 m or more. In addition, other positive features such as greater depth of influence and faster travel speed than conventional rollers are being reported from the field. However, there is a lack of theoretical explanations or scientific research information for how to operate these rollers. Hence, this study will focus on a geotechnical modeling that describes the behavior of soils during ground compaction using various impact rollers (e.g., triangular, Landpac 3-sided, Landpac 5-sided, and octagonal shapes). In addition, this study will estimate more precisely the depth of influence for impact rollers. To do so, the general purpose finite element computer program LS-DYNA is used for numerical predictions. The finite element study is carried out with three-dimensional models. A simplified elastic perfectly plastic model with the Druker-Prager yield criterion is used for soil modeling and rollers are treated as a rigid body (i.e., incompressible material). The result of this study compares well with existing field experiment data for estimating vertical stress profile and compaction features, and demonstrates that the impact rollers are appropriate for thick layers.