Dynamic soil-structure interaction-comparison of FEM model with experimental results

Abstract

Linearly elastic finite element models are developed for particular scale-model gravity retaining wall structures. The sand is modeled as a homogenous isotropic linearly elastic continuum. Models are created in four different configurations to represent twenty different laboratory experiments. The results of these models are compared with results available from extensive experimental dynamic testing on a geotechnical centrifuge. Though the various results from the finite element analysis are consistent among themselves, it is found that there is not an exact match with the experimental results. The results fail to match the amplitude, the frequency or the phase of the response. Probable reasons for the mismatches are suggested and discussed. An introduction to the topic presents various models and methods to study soil-structure interaction, and the research objectives are explained. There is a brief but comprehensive discussion of the centrifuge tests carried out by Todorovski, including a discussion of the characteristics and capabilities of the centrifuge and a description of the experiments. The finite element models developed to represent the centrifuge experiments are described, along with all the input data that are used in the finite element analysis. Finally, the results from the finite element analysis are analyzed and compared with the experimental results, and a summary and conclusions are presented.