Dynamic response of 2D and 3D block foundations on a halfspace with inclusions

Abstract The present study aims to demonstrate how the dynamic behaviour of structures is affected by local inhomogeneities inside the soil. Particularly, the influence of block-shaped elastic inclusions directly beneath a vertically vibrating block foundation is considered. Comparisons between a 2D and a 3D modelling of the soil—structure system are made. It can be observed that, depending on the stiffness of the inclusion and especially on the excitation frequency, the dynamic response of the foundation may either increase or decrease.