Computational method for soil/structure interaction problems

This paper describes a computational method for soil/structure interaction problems, with particular emphasis on reinforced concrete structural response. The computational method involves the modeling capabilities of the CRT/NONSAP finite-element computer code which has been extended to address soil/structure interaction problems. Some of the relevant improvements include: •Refined elastic-plastic material models for concrete and geologic materials. •Interface element to model shear transfer and sliding at soil/structure interfaces. •Element deletion (removal) procedure for representation of cracking in brittle materials, or failure in ductile material caused by large strains. The details of these improvements regarding their applicability to dynamic analysis of reinforced concrete structures and the effects of soil/structure interaction are described. Also, the nonlinear response analysis of a buried reinforced concrete cylinder to an air blast environment is presented.