Numerical modeling of soil compaction in a sugarcane crop using the finite element method

• Published in: Soil & tillage research 2018-09, Vol.181, p.1-10
• Main Authors: Silva, Raguiara P., Rolim, Mário M., Gomes, Igor F., Pedrosa, Elvira M.R., Tavares, Uilka E., Santos, Alexandre N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: FEM; Machinery traffic; Saccharum; Soil stress; Tillage
• ISSN: 0167-1987; 1879-3444
• DOI: 10.1016/j.still.2018.03.019

•Numerical simulation allows the modeling of soil compaction due vehicle traffic.•The preconsolidation stress is an elastoplastic indicator of the soil compaction.•The management of traffic is an important tool to control soil compaction.•The compaction is caused by the passing of vehicles between the sugarcane rows. Numerical simulation allows the modeling of soil compaction by showing the changes in the soil's initial stress state due to external forces, such as vehicle traffic. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the soil after a sugarcane crop preparation subjected to vehicle traffic. Numerical simulation was carried out using the Finite Element Method (FEM) of the compaction in the soil layer 0–100 cm subdivided into 0–20 and 20–100 cm. The Modified Cam Clay elastoplastic constitutive model was used in the numerical analysis. The properties of the soil samples collected in each layer assessed through oedometer tests were used, considering the moistures of 10%, 15% and 20%. The vehicles used were a tractor and a sugarcane truck with their standard loads. Through the pre-consolidation stress, elastoplastic variable of the Modified Cam Clay model, it was possible to identify the region where soil compaction occurs. Soils with higher moisture have greater propagation of stress to deeper layers and consequent compaction. The intensity of the compaction found is explained by the soil’s low resistance due to its preparation.