A simplified method for estimating soil compaction

We describe a simplified model that allows users to explore some of the main aspects of soil compaction. It is intended for use by non-experts, such as students, and is written as an easy-to-use spreadsheet. It estimates soil bulk density under the centreline of a wheel track from readily available tyre details. The model uses an analytical method to estimate the propagation of stress in the soil. It contains compactibility data for contrasting soils and it accounts for both rebound and recompression realistically. We present examples that show the potential of the model in selecting tyres and wheel systems to minimise compaction. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.