Nonhomogeneous Spectral Element for Wave Motion in Multilayer Systems

Abstract

This contribution deals with the use of the computationally efficient spectral element technique as a means of analyzing the dynamic behavior of axisymmetric multilayer systems consisting of homogenous and nonhomogeneous material layers and subjected to a stationary but transient force. Focus is placed on the mathematical formulation and numerical verification of a nonhomogeneous spectral element for soil material. The general solution of the wave equations and the boundary value problem are achieved by triple summation over fast Fourier, Fourier–Bessel, and Frobenius series. Practical utilization of the model is presented via a numerical example, which simulates a pavement structure subjected to the dynamic action of a falling weight deflectometer test as typically utilized for pavement structural evaluation.