Summary

Structural analysis is usually carried out by a strength-of-materials approach that allows complex 3-D structures to be modelled adequately for design needs in a single dimension. However, this approach is not extensively used in geotechnical engineering, partly because 3-D media (soil, rock) are present, but more importantly because until recently the methods necessary to carry out this form of analysis did not exist.

In the last ten years efforts at modelling practical problems in foundation analysis using a strength-of-materials approach have developed the concept of the conical bar or beam as a tool. Such cone models can be used to model a foundation in a dynamic soil-structure interaction analysis with a variation of the properties with depth.

This book develops this new approach from scratch in a readable and accessible manner. A systematic evaluation for a wide range of actual sites demonstrates sufficient engineering accuracy. A short computer program written in MATLAB and a user-friendly executable program are provided, while practical examples ensure a clear understanding of the topic.

Choice Review

In a previous book, Foundation Vibration Analysis Using Simple Physical Models (1994), Wolf (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne) used the truncated cone model. In this new book, Wolf and Deeks (Univ. of Western Australia) use the one-dimensional strength of materials theory of conical bars and beams for cone models and apply it to foundation vibration analysis and earthquake effects on foundations. The solutions are limited to linear responses of soils, with no consideration of plastic deformation. The site may have any number of soil layers, each with different properties; foundation shape maybe an embedded cylinder or axi-symmetric disk (or could be approximated by one) for applicable solutions. Implementation of MATLAB is provided, as are utilization of various MATLAB build-in functions and the working of applicable functions. Comparison of the results for some academic examples, based on the methods developed in this book with results from rigorous solutions, shows reasonable agreement, plus or minus 20 percent. This well-written, very logical work offers good illustrations and practical applications. It also includes appendixes with detailed development of vibration development, soil-structure interaction, wave propagation, and MATLAB implementation. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Senior-level undergraduates through practitioners. R. P. Khera New Jersey Institute of Technology