Fractional model and deformation of fiber-reinforced soil under traffic loads

Traffic-induced cyclic loading leads to the rotation of principal stresses within pavement foundations, challenging accurate simulation with conventional triaxial testing equipment. To investigate the deformation characteristics of fiber-reinforced soil under traffic loads and to develop a fractional-order model to describe these deformations. A series of hollow cylinder torsional shear tests were conducted using the GDS-SSHCA apparatus. The effects of fiber content, load frequency, cyclic deviatoric stress amplitude, and cyclic shear stress amplitude on soil deformation were analyzed. The results revealed that fiber content up to 3% enhances soil resistance to deformation, while higher fiber content reduces it. Axial cumulative plastic deformation decreases with higher load frequencies and increases with higher cyclic stresses. The study also found that principal stress rotation exacerbates soil deformation. A fractional integral model based on the Riemann-Liouville operator was developed to describe the axial cumulative plastic strain, with its validity confirmed by supplementary tests. This model provides a scientific basis for understanding foundation deformation under traffic loading and contributes to the development of dynamic constitutive soil models.