Application of an Efficient Finite Element Method for 3-Dimensional Analysis of Geotechnical Problems

An efficient finite element method has been developed for three-dimensional elasto-plastic analysis of geotechnical problems. This method is based on the application of a semi-analytical technique in finite element modelling. Application of this method to the analysis of three-dimensional problems results in a considerable reduction in computational time. Several applications of the method are described in this paper: the classical problem of the bearing capacity of shallow circular foundations, the problem of laterally loaded pile in consolidating soil under various drainage conditions, and liquefaction analysis of an offshore foundation under cyclic wave loading.