Dynamic response of saturated layered half-space with different hydraulic interface conditions (Q1291891)

The authors derive an analytical solution for harmonic time variation for layered half-space. The first layer (1) (dry soil layer) has the thickness \(h\) and is placed between the planes \(z=0\) and \(z=h\) (the \(OZ\) axis is directed downwards). The second layer (2), an infinite saturated porous half-space, lies between the planes \(z=h\) and \(z=\infty\). The source of the force field is the pressure with harmonic time variation, concentrated at the origin. Due to the symmetry, the authors solve the problem in polar coordinates \(z,r\). Whereas the solution in layer (1) can be easily described, the solution in layer (2) can be obtained only in a rather complicated way following the ideas of Biot. The authors use an approximate description of porous layers (valuable for most practical problems), and derive governing equations for layer (1) and for layer (2). The two sets of equations are Hankel-transformed with respect to \(r\), and thus two new sets of equations depending solely on \(z\) are obtained. Boundary conditions, depending on the fact whether the separating hydraulic surface is permeable or impermeable, couple the equations for two layers. Finally, the authors are able to obtain an analytic solution. To check the validity of this approach, the authors consider the particular case \(h=0\) and show that their solution coincides with the classical solution given by Lamb. Then, various situations are discussed which demonatrate the influence of porosity and (im)permeability. The results of the paper can be used in seismology.