Theoretical Background of Axis-Radiate Infinite Element with Its Applications in Foundation Analysis

An axis-radiate infinite element and a radiate damping matrix applicable to 3D curved boundary are developed to simulate the infinite layered foundation under a rigid base layer. Within the infinite element, the coordinate and displacement of any point are expressed by those of the nodes located on the artificial boundary, and concise mapping functions can easily express the attenuation character of the displacement field. By coupling finite/infinite elements, the elastic recovery capacity and radiation damping of the infinite layered foundation can be easily simulated. In the numerical calculation, the infinite element mesh is performed only on the artificial boundary and the general solution is not needed. Results of examples show high accuracy and efficiency.