Dynamic analysis of flexible massive strip–foundations embedded in layered soils by hybrid BEM–FEM

A study on the dynamic response of flexible massive strip–foundations embedded in layered soils is presented. The foundation is treated with a finite element formulation, while the difficulty in modeling the infinite extent of the soil is overcome by a boundary element formulation. The boundary element method is coupled with the finite element method by enforcing compatibility and equilibrium conditions at the soil–foundation interface. The accuracy of the proposed methodology is verified through comparison with results published for rigid foundations. Emphasis is also placed on parametric studies investigating the effects of salient factors such as foundation flexibility, mass and embedment.