FINITE-ELEMENT FORMULATION AND APPLICATION OF POROELASTIC GENERALIZEDPLANE-STRAIN PROBLEMS

A generalized plane strain finite element is developed for the analysi s of poroelasticity problems. The validity and accuracy of the special element is demonstrated by analyzing inclined borehole problems in is otropic and transversely isotropic poroelastic materials. For the form er, comparison is made with an analytical solution and the latter, wit h a three-dimensional finite element solution. A substantial reduction in computational effort is realized for the generalized plane strain finite element, as compared to the three-dimensional finite element. T his is achieved without sacrificing the accuracy and the ability to ac count for the three-dimensional material anisotropy and far-field stre ss components. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.