A BEM–FEM using layered half-space Green׳s function in time domain for SSI analyses

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical method based on a three dimensional boundary element-finite element coupled formulation in the time domain. The proposed model allows studying soil–structure interaction problems. The soil is modelled with the boundary element method, where the radiation condition is implicitly satisfied in the fundamental solution. Layered half-space Green׳s function including internal material damping is considered as the fundamental solution because of the influence of soil stratification on soil–structure interaction problems is large. This fundamental solution is computed from the exact expressions for the response in the underlying half-space and from a modal solution for the layers. The finite element method is used to represent the structure. In this paper the proposed method is validated by comparison with analytical and numerical results, and an experimental study is done. Afterwards, the dynamic behaviour of a building subjected to an incident wave field is studied.