Green's Function Implementation for Pile Analysis

Abstract

Green's functions are key elements in boundary element formulations. This paper describes the implementation of an approximate, layer‐stiffness‐based Green's function in a boundary element analysis of harmonically loaded pile groups embedded in a nonhomogeneous medium. Two separate problems are addressed: the optimum layer discretization appropriate for the analysis of pile foundations and the depth of soil stratum required for simulating a half‐space. Validity is established by comparisons with previously published static and dynamic solutions. The implementation described allows the boundary element formulation to be extended to applications that have hitherto proved intractable.