Transient mechanical wave propagation in semi-infinite porous media using a finite element approach

In this study, we propose a numerical investigation in the time domain of the mechanical wave propagation of an impulsional load on semi-infinite soil. The ground is modelled as a porous saturated viscoelastic medium involving complete Biot theory. All the couplings and a hysteretic Rayleigh damping are taken into consideration. An accurate and efficient finite element method using a matrix-free technique and an expert multigrid system are applied. Our results present the displacements of the fluid and solid particles over the surface and in depth. The arrival times of body and surface waves are studied. Particularly, the compressional wave of the second kind is highlighted. The influence of the different couplings and more specifically, the influence of the permeability on the response of the soil are analyzed.