Thin layer interface: An alternative modeling consideration in soil-structure interaction system

Abstract

The numerical modeling of a soil-structure interaction (SSI) system subjected to lateral loads depends mainly upon the interface behavior. The soil stiffness in relation to the structure is quite low, and the structure generally has a rough surface in contact with the soil. As a result of the slipping and rolling of soil grains caused by friction, a thin layer of shear zone forms in soil with the application of lateral loads. A thin layer interface is represented by the shear zone. As a result, the decision on the thickness requirement is critical for appropriate modeling of the thin layer interface, which is rarely documented by researchers. Furthermore, it has been reviewed in the literature that modeling the SSI system with a thin layer interface more accurately replicates the physical system than modeling it with a zero-thickness interface. The methodology for effective usage (in terms of proper interface thickness) of the thin-layer interface in SSI system using finite element (FE) modeling is proposed in this work. The thickness of the interface has also been determined via numerical modeling of a large direct shear test (DST).