1. ERDC Knowledge Core
2. Pre - Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
3. Soils and Pavements Laboratory - (8/1/1972 - 4/16/1978)
4. Technical Publication
5. Miscellaneous Paper

Title:	Preliminary investigation of general-purpose mat/panel materials
Authors:	United States. Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command. Green, Hugh L. White, D. W. (Dewey W.) Carr, Gordon L.
Keywords:	Expedient construction Mats Military operations Military roads Trafficability Panels Traffic tests
Publisher:	Soils and Pavements Laboratory (U.S.) Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Description:	Miscellaneous Paper Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of providing a general-purpose mat/panel for the theater of operations for multiusages other than as aircraft landing mats and to establish criteria for future design of such mat/panels. Several test sections were used to test 11 different fabricated designs of materials and several additional materials were tested as potential items. The test materials were placed on a loose dry sand which had an initial average CBR of 1.5 at the surface and 2.6 at a 6-in. depth. The overall sand section was 75 by 16 bv 1 ft deep. Accelerated traffic was applied using an M54, 5-ton military truck loaded with 20,000 lb for a gross load of 40,000 lb and with tires inflated to 70 psi. Comparative laboratory tests of the structural properties of the panels were also conducted. Eight of the 11 panels tested (Wells, Woodside, Kaiser 2.5 and 3.0 lb, Alcoa, Taber, Fletcher, and M8A1) sustained the total traffic of 3000 passes. Of these eight mat/panels that sustained the 3000 traffic passes, five (Woodside, Kaiser 2.5 and 3.0 lb, Taber, and Fletcher) satisfied the desired 3.0-lb-per-sq-ft maximum weight. The Wells (3.2 lb per sq ft) panels were only 6 percent and the Alcoa (3.5 lb per sq ft) 17 percent heavier than the desired weight. The M8A1 (7.5 lb per sq ft) was 2.5 times heavier than the desired weight. Four of the panels (Wells, Taber, Alcoa, Gill) sustained the maximum crush test of 1250 psi. The Kaiser 2.5-lb panel sustained 87 percent and the Woodside sustained 64 percent of this load. From these tests, the following criteria were established as a guideline in further testing and developing a general-purpose mat/panel: (A.) The panels must be capable of sustaining 3000 passes of the M54 truck with gross weight of 40,000 lb using tires inflated to 70 psi on a loose dry sandy soil. (B.) Individual mats must be of such size, shape, and weight as to be handled by two men (desirable maximum weight, 100 lb; essential maximum weight, 120 lb; maximum dimensions, 12 by 4 ft. The 12-ft length and 3.0-lb-per-sq-ft weight are maximums.). Half-panels may be required. (C.) Panels must be provided with connectors on all edges. Ancillaries must be provided to make 90-deg corner connectors for vertical construction. (D.) Panels must be coated with an antiskid to provide a coefficient of friction between 0.4 and 0.8 when wet or dry. (E.) Panels must withstand a crushing load of 1250 psi, as determined when using a container corner. (F.) Mats must support 400 lb per ft of width at a maximum deflection of 4 in. when tested as a beam using a 10-ft span and 1/3-point loading. (G.) Mats must support 4000 lb per ft of width at a maximum midpoint deflection of 4 in. when tested as a 12-ft column. (H.) Multimillion square feet production cost should be approximately $3.00 per sq ft. Further studies and tests are recommended for the Kaiser 2.5-lb honeycomb, Wells extruded aluminum, and Woodside formed aluminum panels for use as a general-purpose panel. Additional studies and tests are needed to determine the optimum cell size and core thickness for the Ecolite and Hexcel core materials for over-the-beach usage and/or for soil strengthening for vehicular traffic. NOTE: This file is large. Allow your browser several minutes to download the file.
Rights:	Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11681/20914
Appears in Collections:	Miscellaneous Paper