A Technical Survey of Nonlinear Finite Element Methods for Soil Structure Interaction under Seismic Loading

Abstract

Soil-structure interaction (SSI) is fundamental to understanding how structures respond during earthquakes. The complex, nonlinear behavior of soils and structural materials under dynamic loading makes linear models inadequate for accurate analysis. Nonlinear finite element methods (NLFEM) offer a powerful toolset for capturing the true response of SSI systems, accounting for material nonlinearity, geometric changes, and soil-structure coupling effects.
This technical review examines recent developments in nonlinear SSI modeling, focusing on advanced constitutive soil models, boundary condition treatments, and the integration of geometric and material nonlinearities. Drawing from a wide range of experimental studies such as centrifuge tests, shaking tables, and real-world earthquake case histories, the review evaluates the accuracy, limitations, and computational demands of current approaches.
Research indicates that nonlinear SSI modeling can improve seismic performance predictions by up to 30% in soft soils, enhancing safety and resilience. However, key challenges persist, including uncertainty in soil parameters, limited availability of large-scale experimental data, and high computational costs. Additionally, many existing models fail to represent structural irregularities and remain poorly integrated into seismic design codes.
The review includes a comparative summary table of modeling techniques, material laws, and numerical tools, highlighting critical research gaps such as the need for broader validation and integration with AI-based modeling. Future directions suggest leveraging hybrid numerical experimental approaches and machine learning techniques to enhance prediction accuracy while reducing computational load. By consolidating recent advances and pinpointing ongoing limitations, this review provides researchers and practitioners with a practical reference for improving the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of nonlinear SSI simulations in seismic engineering.