Finite element analysis of rigid pavement on a nonlinear two parameter foundation model

Abstract

A numerical iterative procedure based on finite element method has been presented for analyzing the dynamic response of pavement to moving load resting on a nonlinear subgrade. The pavement is descretized by finite and infinite beam elements. The foundation is modeled by Pasternak's two parameter soil medium. The nonlinear stress-strain relationship in the soil is considered. The dynamic vehicle-pavement interaction (VPI) effects are incorporated in the analysis. The effect of the material nonlinearity of the supporting soil medium on the pavement response is investigated by conducting a parametric study.