Dynamic soil-structure interaction analysis via coupled finite-element-boundary-element method

In this paper, a study on the transient response of an elastic structure em bedded in a homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic half-plane is prese nted. Transient dynamic and seismic forces are considered in the analysis. The numerical method employed is the coupled Finite-Element-Boundary-Elemen t technique (FE-BE). The finite element method (FEM) is used for discretiza tion of the near field and the boundary element method (BEM) is employed to model the semi-infinite far field. These two methods are coupled through e quilibrium and compatibility conditions at the soil-structure interface. Ef fects of non-zero initial conditions due to the pre-dynamic loads and/or se lf-weight of the structure are included in the transient boundary element f ormulation. Hence, it is possible to analyse practical cases (such as dam-f oundation systems) involving initial conditions due to the pre-seismic load s such as water pressure and self-weight of the dam. As an application of t he proposed formulation, a gravity dam has been analysed and the results fo r different foundation stiffness are presented. The results of the analysis indicate the importance of including the foundation stiffness and thus the dam-foundation interaction. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.