Study of Soil-Structure Interaction Problems Using Mixed FEM-BEM Formulations

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present formulations developed for soilbuilding interaction analysis, including foundations. The soil is modeled with the boundary element method (BEM) as a layered solid which may be finite for the vertical direction, but is always infinite for radial directions. Infinite boundary elements are employed for the far field simulation, allowing computational cost reduction without compromising the result accuracy. Beams, columns and piles are modeled with the finite element method (FEM) using one dimensional elements. Slabs and rafts are also modeled with the FEM, but with two dimensional elements. The analysis is static and all materials are considered homogeneous, isotropic, elastic and with linear behavior.