Determination of rating cone index using wheel sinkage and slip

It has been known from empirical equations that soil strength can be determined if wheel sinkage and slip of a vehicle can be measured on a soil surface. In this study, field data of wheel sinkage and slip were collected from two platform tractors of different sizes on gravely sandy and sandy loam soils. Using an empirical equation, the rating cone index was determined using the measured wheel sinkage and slip data. The data demonstrated that the same rating cone index can be obtained although the measuring platforms are different. It was also noted that the rating cone index can be estimated in real time by measuring the sinkage and slippage of a driving wheel.