Dynamic Response of Rigid Pavement Under Moving Traffic Load With Variable Velocity

In this paper, the dynamic response of an infinite plate resting on an elastic foundation subjected to moving traffic load with variable velocity (accelerating or decelerating) is investigated by using a triple Fourier transform in time and space. The effects of the load varying velocity, acceleration and deceleration, are discussed respectively. The numerical results indicate that the main affecting parameters are initial velocity, acceleration or deceleration. Numerical examples are presented to compare the results of static analysis and those of dynamic analysis with a constant, varying velocity. The results show that the dynamic response of rigid pavement under a moving traffic load with variable velocity is not only different from that caused by static load, but also different from that generated by load with a constant moving speed. Displacement of the plate is reduced with increasing the varying velocity and acceleration. But, plate stresses increase with the varying velocity at a given acceleration. Both the velocity and acceleration of a moving vehicle should be considered in the analysis of rigid pavements.