A point interpolation method for simulating dissipation process of consolidation

A Biot's consolidation problem in foundation engineering is numerically inv estigated using improved point interpolation method (PIM). A weak form of B iot's theory is first developed to consider the unbalanced forces at previo us time-step and thus guarantees the global equilibrium at current step. Tw o independent variables in the weak form, displacement and excess pore wate r pressure, are approximated using the same shape functions through PIM tec hnique. The PIM technique constructs its interpolation functions through a cluster of scattered points in problem domain and its shape function is of delta properties, thus implementation of essential boundary conditions is a s easy as in conventional finite element method. Crank-Nicholson's integrat ion scheme is used to discretize time domain. Finally, examples are studied and compared with finite element methods to demonstrate its capability. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.