A 2.5D-Fourier-BEM model for vibrations in a tunnel running through layered anisotropic soil

A boundary element model of a tunnel running through horizontally layered soil with anisotropic material properties is presented. Since there is no analytical fundamental solution for wave propagation inside a layered orthotropic medium in 3D, the fundamental displacements and stresses have to be calculated numerically. In our model this is done in the Fourier domain with respect to space and time. The assumption of a straight tunnel with infinite extension in the x direction makes it possible to decouple the system for every wave number kx, leading to a 2.5D-problem, which is suited for parallel computation. The special form of the fundamental solution, resulting from our Fourier ansatz, and the fact, that the calculation of the boundary integral equation is performed in the Fourier domain, enhances the stability and efficiency of the numerical calculations.