Dynamic responses of a pile embedded in a layered poroelastic half-space to a harmonic axial loading

Abstract

The dynamic response of a single pile embedded in a layered poroelastic half-space to an axial harmonic load is investigated in this study. Based on Biot’s theory, the frequency domain fundamental solution for a vertical circular patch load applied in a layered poroelastic half-space is derived via the transmission and reflection matrices method. Utilizing Muki and Sternberg’s method, the second kind of Fredholm integral equations describing the dynamic interaction between the layered half-space and the pile subjected to a harmonic axial load is constructed. The proposed model is validated by comparing a special case of our model with an existing result. Based on numerical results of this paper, it is concluded that the presence of a stiffer or a softer middle layer in the layered half-space will affect the impedance of the pile considerably and the inhomogeneity of the half-space will enhance the pore pressure significantly.