On application of the maximum entropy meshless method for large deformation analysis of geotechnical problems

Traditional grid-based numerical techniques such as the Finite Element Method (FEM) are known to suffer when large deformations of the continuum are encountered. As such, there has been limited success using this class of methods to solve many of the complex problems encountered in computational geomechanics. The potential of Meshfree techniques for addressing this perceived deficiency has been recognised. This study presents a robust Maximum Entropy Meshless (MEM) method for the analysis of problems involving geometrical nonlinearity in computational geomechanics. The method is validated via simulation of an undrained layer of soil under a rigid and rough strip footing undergoing large deformations and its merit is demonstrated through a comparison of the results with those obtained via the FEM.