Integral model for the analysis of pile foundations in stratified soils

Abstract

An efficient three-dimensional numerical model is presented for the dynamic analysis of pile foundations in horizontally layered soils in the frequency domain. The soil is assumed to be composed of a finite number of homogeneous, linear, isotropic, viscoelastic horizontal layers, and its behaviour is modelled through the integral reciprocity theorem in elastodynamics and the use of advanced fundamental solutions for the layered half space [1]. On the other hand, piles are considered as linear, viscoelastic, unidimensional Timoshenko’s beams through finite elements. Piles are treated as load lines in the soil formulation in order to incorporate the pile-soil interaction tractions. Finally, the equations of piles and soil are coupled together by imposing compatibility and equilibrium conditions.