A 2.5D coupled FE–BE methodology for the dynamic interaction between longitudinally invariant structures and a layered halfspace

• Published in: Computer methods in applied mechanics and engineering Vol. 199; no. 23; pp. 1536 - 1548
• Main Authors: François, S., Schevenels, M., Galvín, P., Lombaert, G., Degrande, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 01.04.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: 2.5D modelling; Applied sciences; Boundary element method; Buildings. Public works; Computation; Dams and subsidiary installations; Dynamic soil–structure interaction; Dynamics; Elastodynamics; Exact sciences and technology; Geotechnics; Hydraulic constructions; Invariants; Mathematical analysis; Methodology; Railroad tunnels; Railway tracks (foundations and track subgrades); Roads; Structure-soil interaction; Transportation infrastructure; Tunnels, galleries; Dynamic soil–structure interaction; Elastodynamics; Boundary element method; 2.5D modelling; Invariant; Singularity; Dynamic soil-structure interaction; Boundary integral method; Free surface; Elastic wave; Half space; Modeling; Railway tunnel; Direct method; Finite element method; Road tunnel; Rail; Rail transportation; Railway track; Vibration; Green function; Soil mechanics; Pipeline; Dam; Structure soil interaction; Regularization
• ISSN: 0045-7825; 1879-2138
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cma.2010.01.001

This paper presents a general 2.5D coupled finite element–boundary element methodology for the computation of the dynamic interaction between a layered soil and structures with a longitudinally invariant geometry, such as railway tracks, roads, tunnels, dams, and pipelines. The classical 2.5D finite element method is combined with a novel 2.5D boundary element method. A regularized 2.5D boundary integral equation is derived that avoids the evaluation of singular traction integrals. The 2.5D Green’s functions of a layered halfspace, computed with the direct stiffness method, are used in a boundary element method formulation. This avoids meshing of the free surface and the layer interfaces with boundary elements and effectively reduces the computational efforts and storage requirements. The proposed technique is applied to four examples: a road on the surface of a halfspace, a tunnel embedded in a layered halfspace, a dike on a halfspace and a vibration isolating screen in the soil.