FINITE LAYER ANALYSIS FOR SEMI-INFINITE SOILS (Ⅰ)——GENERAL THEORY

Finite layer analysis for semi-infinite soils (I) —General theory

In the present paper a finite layer method is studied for the elastodynamics of transverse isotropic bodies. With this method, semi-infinite soils can be considered as an transverse isotropic half-space, its material functions varying with depth. Dividing the half-space into a series of layers in the direction of depth, the material functions in each layer are simulated by exponential functions. Consequently, the fundamental equations to be solved can be simplified if the Fourier transform with repsect to coordinates is used. We have obtained the relationship between the “layer forces” and “layer displacements”. This finite layer method, in fact, can also be called a semi-analytical method. It possesses those advantages as the usual semi-analytical methods do, and can be used to analyse the problem of the interaction between soils and structures. This paper is based on a portion of the author's dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of degree of Ph. D. at the Shanghai Institute of Appl. Math. & Mech., Shanghai.