A hybrid element method for dynamics of piles and pile groups in transversely isotropic media

A hybrid analytical-numerical method is proposed for the dynamic analysis of single piles and pile groups embedded in semi-infinite transversely isotropic media. In the method proposed, the soil-pile system is modeled using finite elements combined with massless rigid radiation discs representing pile-soil-pile interaction. The elasto-dynamic response of the radiation discs buried at different depths in a transversely isotropic half-space is analytically derived in a transform domain using a set of complete potential functions. A Boussinesq-type loading distribution is introduced to act on the disc region to achieve the proper mode of deformation at the cross sections of piles. Numerical results and comparisons with known analytical/numerical solutions are presented, demonstrating the application of the method.