Boundary and finite elements for 2D soil-structure interaction problems

The problem of ground-borne vibrations in buildings at low audio frequencie s is often associated with railway excitations. In order to analyse such pr oblems, a 2D numerical Boundary Element Model, eventually coupled to a more classical Finite Element Model, has been developed and used to study the i nteraction between foundations and grounds. Several aspects of the problem are considered: the type of ground; the type and position of the excitation ; the length of the foundation; the type and size of the superstructure; th e isolation obtained through the use of damping layers.