A Coupled Integral Transform Method - Finite Element Method Approach to Model the Soil-Structure-Interaction

In this thesis the Integral Transform Method is coupled to the Finite Element Method to improve the modeling of wave propagation in soil. The Lame equation describing the infinite soil is solved analytically for simple geometries with horizontal, cylindrical or spherical surfaces. At these surfaces, the stiffness matrix of the soil is coupled to the stiffness matrix of a Finite Element system. Inside the Finite Element domain complex geometries or different materials can be modeled.