Mechanics of Three-Dimensional Soil-Structure Interaction

Abstract

A finite element procedure for the general problem of three-dimensional soil-structure interaction involving nonlinearities caused by material behavior, geometrical changes, and interface behavior is presented. The formulation is based on the updated Lagrangian or approximate Eulerian approach with appropriate provision for constitutive laws. Consideration is given to the mathematical and experimental aspects related to the important topic of development and adoption of a constitutive law for the geologic medium. development and use of an interface element to describe the three-dimensional interface behavior are described. The influence of cracking and tensile stress conditions in the soil and interfaces is allowed for by using the stress transfer approach. The procedure is verified by comparing predictions with observation of a structure (tool) pushed in the soil in a special soil-bin test facility.