This work investigates the interactions between the soil and a superstructure subjected to various seismic waves using variable-kinematics finite beam elements. Artificial boundary conditions based on springs and dashpots with appropriate elastic and viscous coefficients were adopted to ensure the absorption of the incident waves and simulate the infinite domain condition. The one-dimensional finite element formulation is obtained with a unified formalism that enables arbitrary structural models to be adopted. Lagrange-type expansions have been used in this work to approximate the beam kinematics and facilitate the application of artificial boundary conditions. Both pressure and shear waves with different incidence angles have been considered, and the dynamic responses calculated with the current approach have been compared with analytical solutions when available. The results have demonstrated the accuracy and potentialities of the methodology and provided reasonable confidence for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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