Forklift Operations on T17 Membrane Surfacing on Sand Subgrade in Open-Storage Areas Engineer Tests.

摘要

This investigation was conducted to determine the feasibility of using T17 membrane as a surfacing material for operations of forklifts in depot open-storage areas at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam. A test area 20 ft wide and 50 ft long was excavated to a depth of 24 in. and backfilled with poorly graded sand. The membrane was placed over the section and secured. A forklift was used as the test vehicle. Tests were performed on a loose, dry sand subgrade and on a slightly compacted sand subgrade. During tests, the CBR for the dry sand subgrade ranged from 1 to 3 and for the wet sand subgrade from 2 to 8. Tests performed during this investigation indicated that a forklift loaded to full pay load (15,000 lb) cannot be operated on the T17 membrane surfacing placed over a loose sand subgrade; when loaded to one-half pay load, the forklift can operate satisfactorily if no attempts are made to turn or steer the vehicle; when empty, the forklift's drive wheels will slip excessively and cause severe abrasion of the surfacing and wear of the drive wheel tires; subgrades that rut as much as 7 in. will cause the lifting frame of the forklift to drag, thus tearing the surface. It was determined that the T17 membrane should not be used as a surfacing material for operations of forklifts over loose sand subgrades. Instead, lightweight surfacing with load-spreading capabilities should be used.