Combining finite element and analytical methods to contact problems of 3D structure on soft foundation (Q2214814)

Summary: The computational efficiency and nonconvergence of the iteration are two main difficulties in contact problems, especially in the creep of the foundation. This paper proposes a method to analyze the structural soft foundation system affected by time. The methodology is an explicit method, combining the finite element method with the analytical method. The creep deformation of soft foundation is obtained based on Laplace transforms. The structural deformation contains the statically determinate structural deformation and rigid body displacement, solved by the finite method. The contact forces are calculated by the deformation coordination equations and equilibrium equations. The methodology is validated through augmented Lagrangian (AL) method. The results can clearly illustrate the local disengagement phenome, greatly overcome the nonconvergence of the iteration, and significantly improve computing efficiency.