An algorithm that combines the viscoelastic stress-strain relationship with the three-dimensional spectral element is proposed to solve the problems of three-dimensional viscoelastic multi-layer system subjected to an impulsive load. The four-parameter Burgers differential constitutive model is utilized in frequency domain for the formulation of viscoelastic spectral elements. Furthermore

the time domain response of three-dimensional layered system is obtained through fast Fourier transforms (FFT). As to a numerical structure

a three-layer pavement system

both proposed method and finite element method are applied to analyze the dynamic response subjected to an impulsive load. And the two results have a good agreement. Besides

the analysis and comparison of various elastic and viscoelastic models are shown in the cases.