A discrete model for response estimation of soil-structure systems with embedded foundations

The need for simplified physical models representing frequency dependent soil impedances has been the motivation behind many researches throughout history. Generally, such models are generated to capture impedance functions in a wide range of excitation frequencies, which leads to relatively complex models. That is while there is just a limited range of frequencies that really influence the response of the structure. Here, a new methodology based on the response-matching concept is proposed, which can lead to the development of simpler discrete models. The idea is then used to upgrade an existing simple model of surface foundations to the case of embedded foundations. The applicability of the model in both frequency domain and time domain analyses of soil-structure systems with embedded foundations is discussed. Moreover, the accuracy of the results is compared with another existing discrete model for embedded foundations.