A new boundary element method for three-dimensional coupled problems of consolidation and thermoelasticity

A general boundary element method (BEM) for the complete three-dimensional Biot consolidation theory is developed which operates directly in the time domain and requires only boundary discretization. Consequently, the dimensionality of the problem is reduced by one and the method becomes quite attractive for geotechnical analyses, particularly those that involve extensive or infinite domains. Furthermore, as a result of a well-known analogy fully elaborated here, the new BEM formulation is equally applicable for quasi-static thermoelasticity. Several detailed examples are presented to illustrate the accuracy and suitability of this boundary element approach for both consolidation and thermomechanical analyses.