Corrugation of Unmetalled Roads Part 1: Vehicle Dynamics

The paper considers the dynamics of a vehicle running over a developing corrugation on an earth or gravel road. Theoretical models are used to show that the maximum contact force is imposed on or near the corrugation crest. Full-scale rolling rig experiments confirm this. Field observations show that the great majority of vehicles travel over corrugations at speeds that are above both the sprung and unsprung resonances. Hypotheses of road corrugation are discussed in the light of the results.