Author(s)

A. Tadeu

Abstract

The present paper surveys the work being developed at the University of Coimbra Constructions Lab using the Boundary Element Method (BEM). Different BEM formulations used to solve problems of wave propagation in acoustic and elastic media, and the diffusion of temperature and vapour pressure across homogeneous construction elements are described. Particular attention is given to the derivation of 2-1/2D Green's functions for elastodynamics in unbounded and layered media, which are built as a set of fluid and solid formations. These formulas are both interesting in themselves, and useful as benchmark solutions for numerical applications. In particular, they are very important for formulating three-dimensional elastodynamic problems, using boundary elements but avoiding the discretization of the solid-fluid interfaces. Different physical applications are illustrated, such as the wave propagation around inclusions and within confined domains, the evaluation of the sound pressure around acoustic screens in the vicinity of tall buildings, the simulation of acoustic insulation and structure-borne sound propagation and the computation of condensation inside construction elements.

Keywords