Numerical Modelling of Elastic Interaction Between Circular Rafts and Cross-Anisotropic Media

A technique of numerical modelling of elastic interaction between a soil represented by a half-space and an axisymmetric circular raft is outlined. Also discussed are two numerical methods of solution of the related problem of a circular plate under static, axisymmetric loading conditions. The method allows for homogeneous, cross-anisotropic and isotropic material properties of the half-space to be employed and assumes a frictionless plate-half-space interface. The soil-structure interaction derives from the Koning solution to the problem of a vertical point load applied at the surface of a homogeneous cross-anisotropic half-space, whilst the plate behaviour is assumed to follow the thin plate theory and is modelled using either a finite element technique or a finite difference procedure. The effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed numerical approaches and the developed computer programs are tested with the included examples. © 1997 Civil-Comp Ltd and Elsevier Science Ltd.