ABSTRACT
A new method for dynamic analysis of Euler-Bernoulli beams resting on multi-layered viscoelastic continua (soil) is presented. The governing differential equations of beam and soil displacements are obtained using the extended Hamilton’s principle, and these equations are solved analytically and numerically. An iterative solution algorithm is used in conjunction with an implicit time integration scheme to obtain the beam and foundation (soil) responses as functions of time. The developed model resembles the traditional two-parameter spring foundation model, but the analysis shows that the traditional foundation spring parameters cannot be prescribed a priori, but determined as part of the solution. The model produces accurate beam responses as illustrated by comparisons with equivalent two-dimensional finite element analysis results. A few problems are analyzed that illustrate the novel features of the dynamic foundation model.
