Finite Element Modeling of Soil Structure Interaction System with Interface: A Review

Abstract

Non-linear analysis of soil structure interaction problem is still an active field of research due to development of useful interface element between the soil–soil and soil–structure. In this paper a focused review on coupled finite element modeling of soil structure interaction (SSI) system with soil non-linearity and interface element modeling is discussed. The non-linearity in soil is reviewed with various available constitutive models, whereas the Interface modeling is reviewed with zero thickness and thin layer elements, which is proposed by many researchers from 1970 to till date with special emphasis on behavior of superstructure. Further the paper discusses on the occurrence of ill conditioning due to significance of interface thickness and selection of normal and tangential stiffness during interface modeling. In addition to above, some special interface element (different degree of freedom on top and bottom face of element) in non-linear SSI is also reviewed. Therefore the attention is on advantages and disadvantages of the discussed methods according to their applicability, accuracy and caliber to idealize the superstructure and soil.