DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF CONCRETE PAVEMENTS RESTING ON VISCOELASTIC FOUNDATION TO MOVING LOADS

An efficient finite element algorithm is presented to investigate the dynamic response of concrete pavements due to moving loads. The algorithm proposed considers the dynamic interaction effects between the moving load and the pavement. The underlying soil medium supporting the pavement is idealized by continuous Winkler springs. The moving aircraft or vehicle loads are represented by masses supported by a suspension system which consists of a linear spring and a dashpot. The accuracy of the computer program developed based on the proposed algorithm is verified by comparing the numerical results for simplified cases with available analytical results. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of various parameters on the pavement response due to a moving aircraft wheel load.