Non-linear SSI analysis in time domain using coupled FEM–SBFEM for a soil–pile system

Abstract

The scaled boundary finite-element method (SBFEM) coupled with the finite-element method (FEM) is increasingly being employed to study soil–structure interaction (SSI) problems. However, most of the coupled FEM–SBFEM models for dynamic SSI analysis include only linear behaviour of the soil in the near field. In the present work, a coupled FEM–SBFEM scheme is presented in the time domain for non-linear dynamic SSI analysis. An advanced plasticity-based model, namely the hierarchical single-surface (HiSS)-?0, is incorporated to simulate soil non-linearity. A three-dimensional single pile–soil system is solved for externally applied dynamic load as well as ground excitation. A parametric study is done to gain insight into the effects of soil stiffness and intensity of loading on the non-linear response of a single pile–soil system by calculating its dynamic impedances and kinematic interaction factors. Also, the displacement response at the pile head due to the El Centro earthquake is calculated for linear and non-linear cases. © 2017 Thomas Telford Ltd.