Power-series Analytic Solutions for the Finite Beam on Elastic Foundation with Consideration of Interface Resistance

Analysis of a beam resting on an elastic foundation is frequently necessary for railway structure designs.In this paper,based on the Winkler foundation model,the deformation control differential equation for the elastic foundation beam is presented with consideration of the effect of the interface resistance between the beam and foundation soil body.Employing the power-series semi-analytic method,a particular solution is obtained for the beam sustaining a vertical point load.This solution can be used to calculate the vertical deformation,rotation,bending moment and shear force of the beam.The traditional method for the beam on the elastic foundation was employed to verify the validities of the power-series solutions proposed.A parametric study is carried out to investigate the effects of the interface resistance on the behavior of the beam.The analysis results indicate that the resistance between the interface of the beam and the soil below has an effect on the deformations and internal forces of the beam.Furthermore,the stiffer the foundation soil and the rougher the internal face,the greater the horizontal resistance effect on the deformation and internal force of the foundation beam.