Dynamic analysis of beams on an elastic foundation subjected to moving loads

A simple procedure based on the finite element method has been developed for treating the dynamic analysis of beams on an elastic foundation subjected to moving point loads, where the foundation has been modelled by springs of variable stiffness. The effect of the speed of the moving load, the foundation stiffness and the length of the beam on the response of the beam have been studied and dynamic amplifications of deflections and stresses have been evaluated. The technique is extended to the analysis of railway track structures, where the effect of the spring stiffness of the moving load is also incorporated. The entire analysis has been programmed to run on a microcomputer and gives fast and accurate results. Several numerical examples are presented. The technique and the findings will be useful in railway track design. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited