Dynamic response of multiple flexible strips on a multilayered poroelastic half-plane

Abstract

We study the dynamic response of multiple flexible strip foundations resting on a multilayered poroelastic half-plane subjected to time-harmonic vertical loading. The contact surface between the strip foundations and the half-plane is assumed to be smooth and either fully permeable or impermeable. The half-plane under consideration consists of a number of layers with different thicknesses and material properties, and is governed by Biot's poroelastodynamic theory. The vertical deflection of the strip foundation is represented by an admissible function containing a set of generalized coordinates. Solutions for generalized coordinates are obtained by establishing the equations of motion of the foundation through the application of Lagrange's equations of motion. Selected numerical results are presented to demonstrate the influence of foundation rigidity, hydraulic boundary conditions, layer properties and configuration, and distance of adjacent foundations on dynamic interaction between flexible strip foundations and a multilayered poroelastic half-plane.