Boundary element analysis of raft foundations on piles

The boundary element method is used in the formulation of models for the analysis of raft foundations on piles. Two models are considered: a Kirchhoff plate on a layered elastic half-space and a Kirchhoff plate on a Winkler soil. The plates are modelled using conforming boundary elements and the piles by using linear finite elements. Mindlin's solution is used as influence function within the half-space while Boussinesq's solution, a precursor although a particular case of Mindlin's solution, is used to derive the deflections of the soil surface. The models are used in the analysis of some raft foundations on piles and the results and relative merits are discussed.