Thesis (M.Eng.)--Chulalongkorn University, 2008

This thesis is concerned with dynamic response of a multi-layered poroelastic medium to moving loads with constant velocity. A three-dimensional poroelastic half space under consideration consists of N layers of different properties and thickness overlying a homogenous half space or a rigid half space. The assumption of water saturated soil and isotropic material based on Biot’s poroelastodynamic theory is considered. Applying the triple-dimensional Fourier transformation with respect to the horizontal coordinates and time domains, the governing equations are solved for the fundamental solutions. The global stiffness matrix and the global force vector of a layered system is assembled by considering the continuity of traction and fluid discharge at layer interfaces. Fast Fourier transform is employed for the determination of the time domain solutions. A computer program based on the above method is developed. The accuracy and numerical stability of the present solution scheme are verified by comparing with the existing studies. Numerical results for displacements and pore pressure are presented to demonstrate the influence of various parameters on dynamic response of a multi-layered poroelastic medium to moving loads.