Predicting Wave Propagation Through Inhomogeneous Soils Using a Finite-Element Model Incorporating Perfectly-Matched Layers

A 2D, plane-strain, finite element model, with perfectly-matched layer elements acting as absorbing boundaries, is used to investigate the effect of soil inhomogeneity on resultant surface vibration. The stiffness and mass matrices for the perfectly-matched layer element is derived and included for reference. Stochastic variability of the soil’s shear wave velocity is introduced using a K-L expansion; the shear wave velocity is assumed to have a log-normal distribution and a modified exponential co-variance kernel. Results suggest that local soil inhomogeneity can significantly affect surface velocity predictions; 90% confidence intervals showing 7dB averages and peak values up to 11dB are computed. This is a significant source of uncertainty and should be considered when using predictions from models assuming homogeneous soil properties.