Hydro-mechanically coupled interface finite element for the modeling of soil-structure interactions: Application to offshore constructions

Cerfontaine, Benjamin and Charlier, Robert (2021) Hydro-mechanically coupled interface finite element for the modeling of soil-structure interactions: Application to offshore constructions. In, Deterministic Numerical Modeling of Soil Structure Interaction. Wiley, pp. 1-54. (doi:10.1002/9781119887690.ch1).

Abstract

This chapter presents how the multiphysical soil-structure interactions can be modeled using the finite element method. Hydro-mechanical couplings have become particularly important in many applications, as the loading rate and soil permeability are such that the soil behavior is not completely drained or undrained. The chapter provides a basic formulation of hydromechanically coupled finite elements of the interface. It also provides the governing equations and finite element formulations. The chapter highlights the importance of considering hydromechanically coupled interfaces in the soil-structure interaction. An example of suction caisson modeling is provided to illustrate the inherently partially drained (between drained and undrained) behavior of this foundation in the offshore environment and how interface elements are used to simulate this behavior. The fast development of offshore foundation technologies and the increasing complexity of simulations are likely to generalize the use of coupled interface elements.

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Contributors

Author: Benjamin Cerfontaine

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