Search

Matting systems are used for temporary applications on soft soils to reduce ground pressure exerted by aircraft, heavy equipment, vehicles, and construction material. They have been used for military airfields, construction platforms, and similar applications. Previous evaluation studies of matting systems have typically consisted of full-scale testing, with only a limited amount of numerical modeling found in the literature. This paper presents results of full-scale accelerated testing of 21 test sections encompassing five matting systems, five soil-support conditions, and two aircraft loadings. One of the soil-support conditions was instrumented and tested in conjunction with three matting systems and one aircraft loading. Three-dimensional finite-element modeling was performed on the instrumented sections using the measured test data for calibration. Good matches of measured soil stresses were obtained with the model for two of the mats, whereas the model underpredicted stresses in the third mat. Modeling of the type performed in this paper was capable of correctly ranking the performance of the matting systems modeled relative to the full-scale test results.

The focus of this work was to evaluate the use of commercially available matting systems to sustain C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft loads over soil bases having different California bearing ratio (CBR) ranges. Test sections were constructed using three range of CBR: high (CBR=40–50), medium (CBR=8–10), and low (CBR=5–6). Testing began with the C-130 load cart and six different matting systems. The C-130 was the lesser of the two aircraft loads examined and this initial testing was used as an "elimination round" for the various matting systems chosen. Matting systems deemed suitable for the C-130 were further tested under the C-17 load cart. Systems were evaluated based on logistical and assembly requirements, mat damage sustained during traffic, and accumulated deformation of the mats and soil during traffic. The latter are shown in line plots of passes versus plastic rut formation. Summary information on each matting system tested and the test sections themselves is presented. Conclusions on the matting systems tested and their application are discussed.