Stochastic dynamic analysis of a layered half-space

A stochastic thin-layer method is developed for the analysis of wave propagation in a layered half-space. A random field of shear moduli in the layered system is considered in terms of multiple correlated random variables. Expanding the random moduli and uncertain responses by means of Hermite polynomial chaos expansions and applying the Galerkin method in the spatial as well as stochastic domains, stochastic versions of thin-layer methods for a layered half-space in plane strain and antiplane shear are obtained. In order to represent the infinite half-space, continued-fraction absorbing boundary conditions are included in the thin-layer models of the half-space. Using these stochastic methods, dynamic responses of a layered half-space subjected to line loads are examined. Means, coefficients of variance, and probability density functions of the half-space responses with a varying correlation coefficient of the shear moduli are computed and verified by comparison with Monte Carlo simulations. It is demonstrated that accurate probabilistic dynamic analysis is possible using the developed stochastic thin-layer methods for a layered half-space.

► Stochastic approach for dynamic analysis of a layered half-space is studied. ► Random shear moduli and responses are represented by polynomial chaos expansions. ► Stochastic versions of the thin-layer methods are devised. ► Dynamic responses of a layered half-space with uncertain shear moduli are obtained.