A Simplified Method for Modeling Soil-Structure Interaction for Rigid Frame Structures

A structure can be modeled using a multitude of methods, ranging from simple mathematical models with assumptions based on engineering judgment, to complex 3D models that attempt to capture every single variable that affects the behavior of the system. This paper, utilizing analysis of Rigid Frame Structures, explores different methods of modeling structures in an effort to understand the benefits, or lack thereof, of introducing more variables and complexity into a model. The focus is on a simplified method for the modeling of soil-structure interaction and analyzing a rigid frame structure. Through this effort it was found that, rather than use an expensive 3D modeling software, commonly available structural analysis software like LARSA can be used to create a simple soil-structure interaction model. This simple method allowed us to quickly create numerous models to efficiently analyze different alternatives.