Boundary Effects in Simulation of Soil-Structure Interaction Problems

This paper presents the influence of boundary conditions in numerical simulation of soilstructure interaction problems. It discusses aspects related to a seismic load influencing a soil medium and a frame structure resting on the soil. The soil conditions are represented by 30 m soft, medium, and dense soil deposits with four layers resting on bedrock. The side boundaries of the finite element model are simulated as fixed, viscous boundaries and newly developed infinite elements. The results from the performed analysis show that, in addition to the structural properties and soil characteristics, the choice of side boundaries also plays an important role in seismic response of RC frame structures.