Nested lumped‐parameter models for foundation vibrations

Abstract

Abstract The concept of polynomial‐fraction approximation is explored in this article to develop a nested type of systematic lumped‐parameter model for unbounded soil. Based on the optimal coefficients determined from the flexibility formulation, the reciprocal of the polynomial‐fraction is first taken to represent the dynamic stiffness function of foundation and then decomposed into a linear polynomial and another polynomial‐fraction. The nested division introduced in this study is operated to generate a nested form for this decomposed polynomial‐fraction, which directly corresponds to a nested discrete‐element model. The nested type of lumped‐parameter model is then easily constructed by connecting this nested discrete‐element model in series with another simple discrete‐element model corresponding to the linear polynomial. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.