AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO EVALUATING SOIL COMPACTION: THE IMPACT OF SHEAR BANDS IN NON-PNEUMATIC TIRES

This study investigated the effects of non-pneumatic tires (NPTs) on soil compaction, emphasizing the role of shear bands in influencing vertical stiffness and soil bulk density (BD). By combining finite element analysis with semi-empirical modeling, the research provided a detailed assessment of NPT behavior under various design configurations. The results demonstrated significant variations in vertical stiffness and BD across different NPT designs, driven by factors such as the number and alignment of belt layers. Group A NPTs exhibited vertical stiffness levels that were intermediate between those of agricultural tires and pneumatic tires (PTs) of comparable size. Among these, the M4-4 configuration achieved a notable reduction in BD, indicating its potential effectiveness in minimizing soil compaction. Conversely, Group B NPTs displayed higher vertical stiffness than PTs, with the M3-6 configuration particularly effective in reducing BD despite its increased stiffness. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between NPT design parameters and their impact on soil properties. The research contributed to a deeper understanding of how NPT configurations influence both vertical stiffness and soil compaction, providing valuable insights for optimizing tire designs in agricultural applications.