Uncoupled analytical layer-element for 3D transversely isotropic multilayered foundation

Based on the governing equations in Fourier transform domain for 3D transversely isotropic single-layer foundation in Cartesian coordinate system, and applying the order reduction method, an uncoupled exact stiffness matrix, i.e., the analytical layer-element of single-layer foundation, is obtained. Following the principle of the finite layer method, and introducing the corresponding boundary conditions, the total stiffness matrix is assembled and solved. In order to verify the proposed method, numerical results are obtained by the compiled procedure and compared with those by ABAQUS, which shows a good agreement. Other results demonstrate that the transversely isotropic and multilayered properties of the foundation have a great impact on its vertical displacements.