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This paper presents the capabilities of ABAQUS finite-element program [1] in modelling sandwich beams and plates resting on deformable foundations. Specific systems of sandwich beams and plates separated by an elastic core layer were subjected to the action of point and distributed moving loads. A few theoretical examples are provided to present different techniques of modelling the foundations and the moving loads. The effects of the boundary conditions and of the foundation parameters on the deflections of the analysed structures are also presented.

The subject of this study is the vibration of the Bernoulli-Euler beam on a three-parameter inertial foundation caused by a group of moving forces. The solution to the problem is obtained analytically. The influence of deformable foundation properties on the dynamic response of the beam in the case of forced vibration and the case of free vibration after the load has left the beam is analysed. The influence of velocity on the dynamic response of the beam is also investigated in both cases. The results can be used as a benchmark for calculating more complex engineering structures under moving loads caused by road or railroad vehicles. The results of the investigation are presented in the figures. It is evident that the coefficient determining the foundation inertia has a significant influence on the dynamic deflection of the beam. Taking shear into account in the Vlasov foundation model has little effect on the dynamic deflections of the beam. The equivalent damping number introduced into the Kelvin-Voigt model takes into account the structure damping and mass damping of the beam.