Comparison of soil stress distribution from impact mechanism and smooth roller for neutralizing antipersonnel landmines

Soil stress distribution was investigated to understand and to develop means for detonating and/or neutralizing antipersonnel landmines. Specifically, the loading patterns within the soil due to impact loading and those derived from a smooth surface steel roller for neutralizing antipersonnel landmines were studied. Experiments were conducted in the soil bin facilities in the Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. Transmitted forces through the soil and displacements were measured using load cells and displacement sensors at depths of 50, 100, 150, and 200mm. The load cells provided measurements of the temporal load patterns as transferred through the soil. Both forces and impulses based on the load cell data were used as measures for comparison. For roller experiments, the variables were roller travel speed and the vertical load of the roller. Three travel speeds, 1,3, and 5 km/h and three vertical loads: 20, 40, and 60 kN were tested. Sub-soil forces and displacement were measured at roller operations of single pass and multiple passes. The results showed that the impact from the mechanical device; the corresponding soil stresses increased with increasing impact loads; and forces in the soil increased with higher initial soil compaction level. For both single and multiple passes of roller, increasing travel speed did not significantly increase sub-soil forces and displacement below 150-mm depth; however, the power required to drive the roller was significantly increased. Higher travel speed was more efficient in creating larger sub-soil displacement and forces within 100-mm of the soil surface. For similar effects below 100-mm, lower travel speed was found appropriate.