Dynamic Analysis of Structures and Structural Systems

Abstract

This chapter deals with the dynamic analysis of various structures and soil-structural systems by the direct conventional boundary element method (BEM) in both the frequency and time domains. When the BEM is used in the frequency or time domain in conjunction with the corresponding elastodynamic fundamental solution, only linear elastodynamic problems are considered. In this case only the surface of the analyzed structure has to be discretized. When the material behavior is inelastic (elastoplastic, viscoplastic or damaged), use is made of the elastostatic fundamental solution and this requires both a surface and an interior discretization to accommodate the inertia and inelastic volume integrals in the time domain formulation. The structures analysed include two — and three — dimensional elastic and inelastic solids and Kirchhoff and Reissner inelastic plates. The soil — structure interacting systems analysed include multiple foundations, underground structures, vibration isolation by trenches or piles and earth and concrete dams. The dynamic input can be either externally applied forces or seismic waves of any direction and time variation. Emphasis is given on recent advanced techniques for accurately and efficiently analyzing three-dimensional structures and structural systems discussed mainly in published works of the author and his co-workers.