ON THE APPLICATION OF THE BOUNDARY-ELEMENT METHOD TO PLATE HALF-SPACE INTERACTION

The problem of a laterally loaded flexible plate resting on a half-space continuum is solved by the boundary element method. A single integrated procedure that models the elastic behaviour of both interacting solids is developed. Existing boundary element formulations for the plate and the half-space are refined and adapted to the conditions of the interaction problem. Special schemes are proposed for the evaluation of singular boundary and domain integrals. The coupling of the two formulations is achieved through rigorous application of continuity conditions across the interface which allow for the consideration of frictional effects. The computer code implementing the analysis is tested for accuracy, versatility and efficiency through comparison of its predictions with previously obtained exact and approximate results.