Dynamic response of a thick plate on viscoelastic foundation to moving loads

Abstract

Abstract A finite element algorithm is presented to evaluate the dynamic response of pavements including aircraft‐guideway‐foundation interaction. The pavement‐foundation system is modeled by a series of thick plate elements supported by discrete springs and dashpots at the nodal points representing the viscoelastic foundation. The moving aircraft loads are represented by masses each supported by a spring and dashpot suspension system and having a specified horizontal velocity and acceleration. The accuracy of the algorithm is verified by comparing the finite element solution with available analytical results. A parametric study is conducted to determine the effects of various parameters on the dynamic response of pavements to moving loads.