Terrain Characterization for Trafficability

Abstract

Terrain material characterization is needed to predict off-road vehicle performance, trafficability, and deformation (compaction and rutting,) resulting, from vehicle passage. This type of information is used by agricultural engineers, foresters, military engineers, the auto and tire industry, and anyone else concerned with off-road, unpaved, or winter mobility. This report appraises the state-of-the-art of terrain (or substrate) characterization techniques for vehicle traction studies. It concentrates on field measurement of strength-related properties for soil, snow, muskeg, and vegetation, but also discusses how these compare with laboratory measurements and the importance of other terrain features (slopes, drainage, and obstacles). Mobility, Soil, Traction, Vehicle. Muskeg, Strength, Trafficability, Snow, Terrain, Vegetation,