Rocking vibrations of rigid foundations on multi-layered poroelastic media

Abstract

This paper presents rocking vibrations of a rigid foundation resting on a multi-layered poroelastic half-space. The foundation is assumed to be rigid and massless, and subjected to a time–harmonic moment. In addition, each layer of the multi-layered half-space is governed by Biot’s theory of poroelastodynamics. The contact surface between the foundation and the layered half-space is smooth, and either fully permeable or impermeable. This dynamic interaction problem is studied by employing a discretization technique and an exact stiffness matrix scheme. Comparisons with existing solutions on rocking vibrations of rigid foundations on elastic and poroelastic media are shown to verify the accuracy of the present scheme. Selected numerical results on rocking compliances of rigid foundations of various shapes and mudmat foundations are presented. In addition, a dynamic interaction problem involving closely spaced foundations under rocking vibrations is also presented to demonstrate the applicability of the present solution scheme.