Modeling of wave propagation in a blocky medium with thin viscoelastic interlayers in a spatial setting

A three-dimensional model of a blocky medium with elastic blocks and thin elastic and viscoelastic interlayers is considered. The interlayers are described by simplified differential-difference relations. A numerical algorithm for solving dynamical problems based on splitting method is presented. The results of simulation of wave propagation in blocky half-space are presented. We compare the behaviour of surface waves arising in a blocky layered medium and in a discrete periodic medium consisting of rigid masses connected to each other by elastic springs. Results of computations using the proposed model are in good agreement with the experimental data.