movement of fifty 105-millimeter howitzers. These results are entered into the composite chart.
Many of the manual procedures outlined for the determination of soil trafficability have been computerized so that
for certain geographic regions where soil data bases exist, information may be obtained through the use of various
software packages.
(3) Presentation of Information. Once the soil trafficability information for a particular area has been
compiled, it is normally presented as an overlay or overprint to a topographic map. Alternatively, soil
trafficability information may be presented in textual form and in briefing. Whenever possible, the text or
briefing should include graphic material.
c. Additional Factors Affecting Soil Trafficability. Although the properties of stickiness and slipperiness
are not included in a quantitative evaluation of soil trafficability, these parameters do influence the movement of
traffic over some soils in certain instances.
(1) Stickiness. Stickiness is an unfavorable characteristic of some cohesive soils that can result in the
adherence of the soil to the running gears of vehicles. Under extreme conditions, sticky soils may cause difficulty
in steering and travel. The effects of stickiness are not measured and are not presented on cross-country
movement graphics.
(2) Slipperiness. Slipperiness is an adverse condition that may hamper the steering of tracked vehicles
or immobilize wheeled vehicles. The condition may be caused by the presence of excess water, the existence of a
layer of soft, plastic soil overlying a firm layer of soil, or the occurrence of wet vegetation. The slipperiness of
ground cover is not depicted on cross-country movement graphics.
d. Other Factors Influencing General Trafficability (Cross-Country Movement). A complete analysis
of the general trafficability of an area includes information regarding not only soil trafficability but also slopes,
vegetation, and natural and man-made obstacles. Explanations concerning the influence of these other factors on
trafficability are contained in TM 5-330 and FM 5-33.
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EN5341
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