A semi-analytical model in time domain for moving loads

A model for investigations of ground motions due to continuously moving loads with constant and time-varying amplitudes is presented. The vertical displacements excited by moving load areas are obtained at a fixed observation point at the surface of the three-dimensional halfspace in time domain. The load is moving along a straight line with constant speed. To solve this nonaxisymmetric, initial boundary value problem a semi-analytical, discretized model is developed. It is based on Green's functions for a suddenly applied, stationary surface point load with Heaviside time dependency. These functions, also called influence functions of the halfspace, are valid for any homogeneous, isotropic and linear-elastic medium. The principle of superposition is used. Results are shown for the transient and the steady-state ground motions, and they are compared with analytical solutions. The load speed is varied in the subcritical range up to the propagation velocity of Rayleigh-waves.