Determination of traffic-load-influenced depths in clayey subsoil based on the shakedown concept

The determination of the depth of traffic load influence is significant for pavement and embankment design on soft soil. In this study, a method based on strain-controlled criteria is presented to estimate the depths within which the behavior of a saturated clayey subsoil is affected by cyclic traffic loads. Based on the shakedown concept, the following depths of influence can be defined: (1) the threshold depth, beyond which the dynamic effect of the traffic loads is insignificant; (2) the plastic shakedown limit depth, within which the subsoil experiences noticeable and continuous deformation; and (3) the critical failure depth, within which the soil fails due to the accumulation of strain. This method for determining the depths of influence is advantageous because it is applicable to various soil types. The data required for this method consist of vertical stress responses along the soil profile and three cyclic stress limits of the soil. Based on the development of pore pressure and the dynamic strain behaviors during undrained cyclic triaxial tests, the following cyclic stress limits of the soft clay subsoil are determined: a threshold cyclic stress ratio CSRt of 0.03, a plastic shakedown limit stress ratio CSRp of 0.33 and a critical cyclic stress ratio CSRc of 0.44. These cyclic stress limits are used to determine the corresponding depths of influence, which are then used to implement ground improvements and strengthen the dynamic carrying capacity of the road structures. •The shakedown concept is introduced to study the dynamic response of subsoil.•The depth of influence is classified into three levels.•We investigate the accumulation effect of dynamic stress of subgrade.•The criteria is rooted in the strain behaviors and expressed in the form of stresses.•Reasonable suggestions for road design and construction on weak subsoil.