Dynamic SSI Analysis of Devonport Royal Dockyard Using LUSAS

This paper on "Dynamic SSI Analysis of Devonport Royal Dockyard Using LUSAS" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Effective Engineering Analysis - 25-28 April 1999, Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

Summary

Dynamic soil-structure interaction (SSI) analysis using the finite element method is an advanced numerical modelling technique. It is commonly required for the seismic qualification of important civil structures, such as nuclear facilities, dams or large buildings in earthquake zones. The technique was first developed in the 1970's, culminating in the release of special purpose finite element programs which solved the dynamic response using efficient equivalent linear procedures in the frequency domain. Although significant progress has been made in computing power and constitutive modelling of soil since this time, the legacy SSI codes of the 70's are still widely used today, despite a total lack of any graphical interface, no user support and scant documentation. Crucially, the legacy SSI codes are limited to elastic analysis, so non-linear interface effects, permanent deformations and structural damage cannot be assessed directly. This paper describes the application of LUSAS [1,2,3,4,5] - a modern general purpose non-linear FE code with state of the art graphics, user support and comprehensive documentation - to dynamic SSI analysis of a major UK nuclear facility. The study confirms that modem general purpose FE codes provide an rigorous and effective tool for dynamic SSI work.