Elastic Multi-layered Analysis Using DE-Integration

Abstract

In classical mechanics, solutions to various solid mechanics problems have very well been established. The most famous one is the Boussinesq solution for the case of concentrated vertical load acting on the surface of a semi-infinite body. However, in engineering problems like foundation, road or airport pavement design, solutions to a multi-layered system are required. Furthermore, simple but accurate and flexible solution approach which can be extended to multi-layered systems with various boundary conditions is of great necessity for engineering design. Authors of this paper have already analyzed various types of loads acting simultaneously or separately on the surface of the pavement structure. A pavement is modeled as a multi-layered elastic structure on the surface of which circular wheel loads act. In general, a wheel load is assumed to exert a vertical surface load due to the weight of the vehicle while braking or accelerating the vehicle would exert horizontal surface load [1]. Moreover, when large-sized vehicles like trucks and trailers turn on sharp corners wheels may exert turning (torsional) load on the pavement surface [2]. Finally, a rolling or stationary tire on the surface of a pavement system generates not only vertical load but also centripetal shear load due to the fact that the wheel can not freely expand due to surface frictional force [3]. This centripetal shear load causes an increase in tensile stress at the surface of a pavement structure. Theoretical analysis utilizes the principle of superposition and the solution is given by summing up the solution of the various loads considered. In the