Dynamic Responses of a Multi-layered Unsaturated Road System with Impermeable Pavement under Moving-vibratory Vehicle Load

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic responses of a multi-layered road system under moving vehicle loads. The vehicle load is modeled as four elliptical, moving-vibratory loads induced by tires, incorporating the effects of pavement roughness. The road system is represented as a multi-layered structure consisting of an impermeable elastic asphalt pavement, an unsaturated subgrade layer, and subsoil of varying degrees of saturation. Solutions for the elastic pavement and unsaturated medium layers are derived using the Fourier transform technique. The transmission and reflection matrix method (TRMM) is employed to construct the control matrix function, ensuring that boundary conditions imposed by moving traffic loads and continuity constraints between different soil layers are satisfied. The dynamic responses in the time domain are obtained using the Gauss-Legendre integral method. The accuracy of the derived solution is verified through the comparison with the established results. A parametric analysis is conducted to examine the effects of wheel stacking, vehicle speed, subgrade saturation, and thickness of asphalt and subgrade layer on dynamic responses. The proposed framework provides valuable insights into the dynamic design and evaluation of road systems, contributing to improved pavement performance and longevity.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Second Department

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Comments

Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Grant 52108297

Keywords and Phrases

Dynamic responses; Elliptical moving-vibratory load; Multilayered road system; Pavement roughness; Transmission and reflection matrix method

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

2214-3912

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Nov 2025

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