Considerations on the value of modulus of subgrade reaction

Abstract

In structural design practice of rigid road pavements, the subgrade stiffness is generally represented by the modulus of subgrade reaction, now universally known as subgrade support or by the symbol K ( K Value). As the in situ determination of the K value is laborious, a synthesis of correlations between K value and other deformability characteristics of the subgrade such a CBR and the dynamic elastic modulus E for which standardized values are available, is presented in this paper. Based on this synthesis, design values for the modulus of subgrade reaction have been adopted and proposed for the use in the frame of the actual structural method of design of rigid road pavements, elaborated by INCERSTRANS in collaboration with the Faculty of Civil Enginering of Iasi.