“…The operator-split ALE involves two stages: (a) Lagrangian step, where the governing equations for the saturated soil, the equilibrium equation and the continuity equation are solved by the traditional, updated Lagrangian method, and (b) the Eulerian step, which involves mesh smoothing and transfer of state variables. Many researchers have applied the ALE technique to solve geotechnical problems, which involve large deformations, such as a rough footing on an undrained soil layer (Nazem et al, 2009), consolidation problem (Nazem et al, 2008) and soilpipeline interactions (Fredj & Dinovitzer, 2010). Kardani et al (2011) implemented a refined h-adaptive finite-element technique in ALE to improve the numerical accuracy by continuously refining the mesh in the zone of concern.…”