Models and methods for dynamic response of 3D flexible and rigid pavements to moving loads: A review by representative examples

Abstract

This work reviews models and methods for determining the dynamic response of pavements to moving vehicle loads in the framework of continuum-based three dimensional models and linear theories. This review emphasizes the most representative models and methods of analysis in the existing literature and illustrates all of them by numerical examples. Thus, 13 such examples are presented here in some detail. Both flexible and rigid (concrete) pavement models involving simple and elaborate cases with respect to geometry and material behavior are considered. Thus, homogeneous or layered half-spaces with isotropic or cross-anisotropic and elastic, viscoelastic or poroelastic properties are considered. The vehicles are modeled as simple point or distributed loads or discrete spring-mass-dashpot system moving with constant or variable velocity. The dynamic response of the above pavement-vehicle systems is obtained by analytical/numerical or purely numerical methods of solution. Analytical/numerical methods have mainly to do with Fourier transforms or complex Fourier series with respect to both space and time. Purely numerical methods involve the finite element method (FEM) and the boundary element method (BEM) working in time or frequency domain. Critical discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of the various pavement-vehicle models and their methods of analysis are provided and the effects of the main parameters on the pavement response are determined through parametric studies and presented in the examples. Finally, conclusions are provided and suggestions for future research are made.