Finite Difference Methods for Modeling Soil-Structure Interaction in Geotechnical Engineering

Due to its complexity and site dependent nature, geotechnical engineering very often deals with the problems of soil structure interaction (SSI) that demand for the use of sophisticated elasto plastic numerical modeling techniques. Finite Difference Methods have become a powerful tool to simulate dynamic behavior of soil and structure subjected to various loading conditions among these. In this article, first focus is given to demonstrate the use of finite difference approaches in SSI modeling with their good and bad sides and most recent developments, referring to other advanced works in the field. As the city continues to expand boundaries of construction in adverse conditions, understanding the intricate relationship between soil and structures is becoming more important. Precise prediction of the behavior of soil and structures under static and dynamic loads is essential for each and every one of the structures using underground tunnels, high-rise buildings, and otherwise, to be safe and have long lives. A wide range of complex SSI problems can be approached by finite difference methods. These methods may be continued to infinity in the continuum by discretizing it onto a grid of points and approximating derivatives with finite differences, with which to capture nonlinear behavior of soil and structures with remarkable accuracy. This article first explores theoretical foundations, later on investigations of practical applications and modern developments in studying SSI by means of finite difference modeling are considered.