Determining resilient modulus (MR) for subgrades is crucial in advancing Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E) pavement design. This study models the responses of a poorly graded sand and two silty sands through Suction-controlled Repeated Load Triaxial tests (RLT), factoring in moisture content and equivalent suction levels based on Soil Water Retention Curves (SWRC). Using a predictive model, the authors calculate the subgrade’s MR for a typical pavement cross-section in Sweden, incorporating layer parameters for critical seasons and climatic zones defined by the Swedish Transport Administration (STA). Results highlight the materials' sensitivity to moisture-suction and their stress dependency. Notably, the predicted MR for silty sands exceeded STA-recommended values across seasons and climatic zones. The poorly graded sand aligns well when the coefficient of earth pressure at rest k0 equals 1, except under wet conditions, in such case STA-recommended values are optimistic. Comparisons with existing data support the findings, particularly for the silty sands. In summary, this research sheds light on three subgrades and offers a reproducible method to expand the database of subgrade materials. Furthermore, if offer insights for enhancing M-E pavement design, considering different climatic conditions and materials.
QC 20240403