Dynamic response of low height reinforced embankment under moving load with variable velocity

Abstract:

The dynamic response of low height reinforced embankment under load with variable velocity was investigated. The load was assumed to be a uniform load, and the horizontal stress caused by the variable velocity of the load was taken into consideration. The low height reinforced embankment was considered as a layered isotropic elastic layer, and the Goodman model was employed to represent the interlayer contact conditions. The governing equations of the dynamic response of low height reinforced embankment in the Fourier transform domain were derived using the Garlerkin method. The generalized numerical solutions were obtained using a combination method of modal superposition method, Duhamel integral, and Fourier inverse transform. Two examples were used to verify the correctness of the method. The influences of the interlayer state, acceleration, embankment height, and reinforcement modulus on the dynamic response of the low height reinforced embankment were investigated. Results show that the interlayer contact state had a significant effect on the deflection at the bottom of the pavement structure, especially on the longitudinal deflection, and the effect was greater when the load moved with variable velocity. Thus, the upper and lower surfaces should be in full contact in practical engineering. With the increase in the initial velocity and acceleration, the dynamic deflection and stress increased significantly, and the dynamic stress path on the foundation became larger and rotated clockwise. Acceleration had an effect on reducing the stress in low reinforced embankment. Increasing the stiffness of the reinforced material could effectively reduce shear stress ratio by 47.9% and normal stress by 29%.