Multi-layer moving plate method for dynamic analysis of pavement structures subjected to moving loads

Abstract

This paper presents a new approach, namely multi-layer moving plate method (MMPM), for the dynamic analysis of pavement structures subjected to moving load. The pavement resting on multi-layer foundation is modeled as a two-layer plate connected by a spring-damper system resting on a viscoelastic foundation. This model gives a accurately pavement structure model so that the dynamic responses of the surface slab and the base can be obtained. The governing equations as well as the plate element mass, damping and stiffness matrices are formulated in a convected coordinate with the idea of attaching its origin to the applied point of the moving load. The proposed method simply treats the moving load as ‘stationary’ at the node of the plate to avoid the updating of the location of moving load due to change of contact points on the plate. Numerical examples related to the dynamic analysis of the pavement structure subjected to a moving load are conducted to investigate the effects of various parameters such as concrete slab thickness, base thickness, foundation stiffness and the load’s velocity on dynamic responses of the pavement structure.