2-D finite element analysis of rigid pavement considering dynamic vehicle–pavement interaction effects

In the present study, an improved solution algorithm based on Finite Element Method for dynamic analysis of rigid pavements under moving loads is presented incorporating vehicle–pavement interaction which is having significant effect on the response. The concrete pavement is discretized by finite and infinite plate elements. The underlying soil medium is modeled by Pasternak model. An attempt is made to consider the infinite extent of the pavement with introduction of infinite elements at both ends. A detailed study is carried out for the range of velocities for pavements of finite and infinite lengths resting on two parameter soil medium. The effect of soil modulus, shear modulus, pavement thickness and the vehicle–pavement interaction on the response of pavement is presented. Relationships are suggested in non-dimensional form to predict critical velocity and maximum deflection for three prominent peaks in case of analysis without VPI and first critical velocity range of analysis with VPI. Predicted values using these relationships are in good agreement with the actual values. The comparison between the response of finite and infinite pavement lengths revealed that the deflections are decreased and the critical velocity range is narrowed in case of pavements of infinite length.