Scaled boundary finite-element analysis of a non-homogeneous elastic half-space

As a result of stresses experienced during and after the deposition phase, a soil strata of uniform material generally exhibits an increase in elastic sti ness with depth. The immediate settlement of foundations on deep soil deposits and the resultant stress state within the soil mass may be most accurately calculated if this increase in sti ness with depth is taken into account. This paper presents an axisymmetric formulation of the scaled boundary nite-element method and incorporates non-homogeneous elasticity into the method. The variation of Young’s modulus (E) with depth (z) is assumed to take the form E =mEz , where mE is a constant and is the non-homogeneity parameter. Results are presented and compared to analytical solutions for the settlement pro les of rigid and exible circular footings on an elastic half-space, under pure vertical load with varying between zero and one, and an example demonstrating the versatility and practicality of the method is also presented. Known analytical solutions are accurately represented and new insight regarding displacement elds in a non-homogeneous elastic half-space is gained