Numerical simulation of 3D liquefaction disasters using an automatic time stepping method

Abstract

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of large model under seismic loading is a time-consuming process due to the huge number of degrees and the duration of time. With respect to the uniform time stepping method, an automatic time stepping strategy is proposed based on a finite element-finite difference coupled scheme and an effective mixed error estimation of the solid-fluid mixture. Two seismic liquefaction examples are conducted, one is a three-dimensional embankment located in liquefied area, and the other is a three-dimensional caisson wharf subjected to the seismic load. The results show that the liquefaction induces large displacement to the embankment and caisson wharf; the proposed automatic time stepping method can save 17-24 % computational time than the uniform time stepping method at the premises of similar accuracy.