GGSD Newsletter - January 1999
*************************************************
Welcome to the first GGSD Newsletter. With this, and subsequent Newsletters, I hope to keep you informed of newly released software and of updates to the Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Software Directory (GGSD). In due course there will also be some special offers on software. My intention is to issue a Newsletter three or four times a year to coincide with major updates of the GGSD; minor updates won't get a Newsletter issue. As this is the first Newsletter I would welcome your comments and suggestions for future issues.
Regards
Tim Spink
12 January 1999
*************************************************
In this Newsletter
- GGSD updates
- New and updated program entries
- New indexes
- New operating system category
- New program categories
- My pick of the new programs
- The GeoIndex search engine
- GGSD visitors
*************************************************
GGSD updates
There was a major update of the GGSD on 7 December 1998 and further minor additions on 10 January 1999. The GGSD now lists 1007 programs, 636 suppliers and publishers and 28 useful WWW links. All the new and updated entries are listed in the What's New page, and the new and updated program entries are detailed below.
*************************************************
New and updated program entries
- AIRFLOW-SVE - Remediation - Updated
- All-Pile - Piles (single) - Updated
- AQTESOLV for Windows - Aquifer test analysis - New
- AquaChem - Geochemistry - New
- AquiferTest - Aquifer test analysis - New
- AREFS - 98 - Impact assessment - Updated
- AT RISK (@RISK) - Risk analysis - Updated
- BEASY Corrosion and CP - Cathodic protection - New
- BEASY Fatigue and Crack Growth - Numerical analysis (general) - New
- BEASY Mechanical Design - Numerical analysis (general) - New
- Breach - Groundwater modelling - Updated
- CADA - Settlement analysis - Updated
- CONSOL (SoilVision) - Settlement analysis - New
- Consolidation Concept - Educational - New
- CONTAM - Contaminant transport (1D) - New
- Correct Blow Counts - Dynamics (behaviour and earthquake) - New
- CP Diagnostic - Cathodic protection - New
- CPDM - Cathodic protection - New
- Crisp-Femsys - Numerical analysis (soil) - New
- CTRAN-W - Contaminant transport (2D FEM) - Updated
- DecisionTools Suite - Risk analysis - New
- Didger - Data input - Updated
- DigiPro for Windows - Instrumentation - New
- Drilling and Workover suite - Site procedures - Updated
- DYNAFLOW - Numerical analysis (general) - Updated
- EMAGIS - Database systems (general) - Updated
- Environmental WorkBench - Plotting (3D visualisation) - Updated
- FEFLOW - Groundwater flow (3D) - New
- FLONET-TRANS - Contaminant transport (2D FEM) - New
- FLOWPATH - Groundwater flow (2D) - Updated
- FRAC3DVS - Contaminant transport (3D) - New
- FRACTRAN - Contaminant transport (2D FEM) - New
- FullPixelSearch - Image analysis - New
- GEDS - Geoenvironmental database systems - New
- Gemcom for Windows - Geological modelling - New
- GEO for Windows - Borehole log production - New
- Geocomp - Mapping - New
- GEOSIS 2.0 - Laboratory testing (soil) - New
- GeoSymbol - Geological illustration - New
- German Standard (DIN 4014) - Piles (single) - Updated
- German Standard (DIN 4017) - Bearing capacity - Updated
- GIS-Key - Geoenvironmental database systems - Updated
- GIS-Key Statistics - Plotting and statistics - New
- GIS-Key Winlogs - Database systems (with log production) - New
- GMM - Mapping - New
- GMS - Groundwater flow (MODFLOW) - Updated
- Grapher - Plotting (2D x-y) - Updated
- GRVWALL - Retaining wall design - New
- GWALL - Retaining wall design - Updated
- IMAGINE - Numerical analysis (soil) - Updated
- Lab Data Quick View - Data validation - New
- LiquefyPro - Dynamics (behaviour and earthquake) - Updated
- LOGfx - Geophysics - Updated
- LogPlot98 - Borehole log production - Updated
- MacGeoPak - Geological utilities - Updated
- Map3D - Numerical analysis (rock) - Updated
- MapViewer - Mapping - Updated
- MicroMODEL - Geological modelling - Updated
- MidTex DLG Reader v2.1 - Mapping - New
- MPRI - Geoenvironmental database systems - New
- MT3D - Contaminant transport (3D) - Updated
- MT3D96 - Contaminant transport (3D) - New
- MVSP - Plotting and statistics - Updated
- Oriana - Plotting and statistics - Updated
- P-Wall 2.0 - Retaining wall design - New
- Paradigm-CP - Cathodic protection - New
- Parallax 3D - Geological illustration - New
- PEST Utilities - Parameter estimation - Updated
- PEST98 - Parameter estimation - Updated
- PileClash - Piles (lateral loading and groups) - New
- Pipeline Toolbox - Cathodic protection - New
- Plan - Mapping - Updated
- PolyMap - Geological modelling - New
- PrecisionTree - Risk analysis - New
- PRINCE - Contaminant transport (2D analytical) - Updated
- PROCOR - Cathodic protection - New
- Quake! - Educational - New
- QuickSurf Pro - Plotting (2.5D & contouring) - New
- RINVERT for Windows - Geophysics - New
- Rocket97 - Piles (single) - Updated
- RockFill - Geological illustration - New
- Rockware Utilities - Geological utilities - Updated
- RockWorks98 - Geological modelling - Updated
- RockWorks98 3D Visual Pro - Geological modelling - New
- Sage CRISP - Numerical analysis (soil) - Updated
- SEEP-W - Groundwater flow (2D) - Updated
- SEQUENCE - Contaminant modelling - New
- SID - Database systems (with log production) - Updated
- SIGMA-W - Numerical analysis (soil) - Updated
- SigmaPlot - Plotting (2D x-y) - Updated
- SigmaStat - Plotting and statistics - Updated
- Simca - Plotting and statistics - Updated
- SIMSTAT - Plotting and statistics - Updated
- SiteView - Plotting (3D visualisation) - Updated
- Slope (Geosolve) - Slope stability (soil) - Updated
- Slope-W - Slope stability (soil) - Updated
- SoilVision - Hydraulic properties - Updated
- SoilVision Demo Database - Hydraulic properties - New
- SpheriStat 2.2 - Plotting (special) - Updated
- SpheriStat Lite - Plotting (special) - New
- STABLE - Slope stability (soil) - Updated
- Surfer - Plotting (2.5D & contouring) - Updated
- SWAGSIM - Groundwater modelling - New
- SYSTAT - Plotting and statistics - New
- TableCurve 2D - Plotting (2D x-y) - Updated
- TableCurve 3D - Plotting (3D visualisation) - Updated
- TAILS - Settlement analysis - Updated
- TCON - Settlement analysis - Updated
- TECHBASE - Database systems (with log production) - Updated
- Tecplot+3DV - Plotting (3D visualisation) - Updated
- TELDYN - Dynamics (soil-structure interaction) - Updated
- TELSTA - Numerical analysis (soil) - Updated
- TEMP-W - Numerical analysis (soil) - Updated
- Terrain Tools - Mapping - New
- Terramodel - Mapping - New
- TerraTox - TerraFit Suite - Geochemistry - Updated
- TESS - Dynamics (behaviour and earthquake) - Updated
- TestStar fracture toughness - Laboratory testing (rock) - Updated
- TestStar triaxial - Laboratory testing (rock) - Updated
- TestStar uniaxial - Laboratory testing (rock) - Updated
- Texture AutoLookup - Laboratory testing (soil) - Updated
- The Geochemist's Workbench - Geochemistry - New
- TINKER - Dynamics (behaviour and earthquake) - Updated
- TNMN - Dynamics (soil-structure interaction) - Updated
- TPILE - Piles (lateral loading and groups) - New
- TSLOPE - Slope stability (soil) - Updated
- UFSHAKE - Dynamics (behaviour and earthquake) - Updated
- Upres - Numerical analysis (soil) - Updated
- Virtual Consolidation Test - Educational - New
- Virtual Triaxial Test - Educational - New
- Visual Groundwater - Plotting (3D visualisation) - New
- Visual HELP - Groundwater flow (1D) - New
- Visual MODFLOW - Groundwater flow (MODFLOW) - Updated
- WALLAP - Retaining wall design - Updated
- WEB-PHREEQ - Geochemistry - Updated
- WinLoG - Borehole log production - Updated
- WinLoG LT - Borehole log production - New
- WinStep - Aquifer test analysis - Updated
- ZSOIL - Numerical analysis (soil) - Updated
*************************************************
New indexes
Twelve new indexes were added to the Main Index page to help you find the program you are looking for.
8 indexes, one for each of the operating system categories: DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95+98, Windows NT, Macintosh, PowerMac, Unix, Web/Java.
4 indexes, one for each of the program status categories: Freeware, Shareware, Public Domain, Commercial.
A lot of people seem to be unclear on the differences between the non-commercial categories, so I have given a definition at the top of each index page. But basically: Freeware is always free; Shareware is initially free; Public Domain is only sometimes free.
*************************************************
New operating system category
A new operating system category has been added for Web/Java. These are all programs that run in your internet browser. Some are Java programs that you download and run locally on your computer (Client-side programs). Some are applications that run on an internet server and you interact with them using a forms interface (Server-side applications). Whilst others use a combination of Client-side Java software to provide the user interface, with the calculations done Server-side. At the present there are programs listed for foundation design, slope stability analysis and geochemistry. I feel that these represent the vanguard of future software development.
*************************************************
New program categories
Three new program categories have been added for cathodic protection, geological illustration and geological utilities.
Several people have suggested that I should add a category for GIS programs, but this is such a large field that I have resisted up to now. If you feel that this would be of interest to you please can you let me know; if enough people want it I will add it. Similarly, if there are any other geotechnical/geoenvironmental/geoscience software categories that you feel the GGSD should cover, give me your suggestions, together with any appropriate programs that you know.
*************************************************
My pick of the new programs
This section has to be preceded by a disclaimer. The programs listed below are ones that caught my eye as being useful/interesting/different from the many submissions I receive. I have not tried any of these programs, and I am not making a recommendation. It is up to you to make your own choice. Some of these may not be "New" programs, but their entry in GGSD is new. That said, here is my pick.
- AQTESOLV for Windows - Aquifer test analysis
A Windows version of the well established software for the analysis of aquifer tests. It has visual and automatic curve matching, variable rate analysis (including recovery and step tests), multiple observation wells and derivative analysis. There are wizards for data entry and importing logger data and a free demonstration version available.
- BEASY Corrosion and CP - Cathodic protection
If you need to design a subsurface cathodic protection system BEASY Corrosion and CP is a heavy-weight numerical analysis program that can predict the potential levels both on the structure and in the electrolyte. It also determines the current levels on the structure and anodes, and predicts the current demand.
- CONSOL (SoilVision) - Settlement analysis
Free Excel spreadsheets for finite difference, one-dimensional solutions to the Terzaghi consolidation equation.
- Correct Blow Counts - Dynamics (behaviour and earthquake)
This low cost program is designed to assess the liquefaction potential of soil using widely published methods and the N-Value from the SPT. The program corrects the N-Value obtained in the field for overburden pressure, hammer energy, drill rod length and sample liner type. This value is compared to the cyclic stress ratio corrected for earthquake magnitude.
- Crisp-Femsys - Numerical analysis (soil)
A 3D version of the Cambridge University CRISP critical state soil mechanics program that can be used for drained, undrained and fully coupled consolidation analysis. Extensive material models include Cam-Clay, Mohr-Coulomb elastic-rigid plastic, Mohr-Coulomb with cohesion and/or friction hardening; Duncan and Chang's Hyperbolic model.
- FullPixelSearch - Image analysis
FullPixelSearch enables users to locate features or objects of interest within digital images by scanning for matches of specific arrangements of pixels stored in a user defined template. The program scans the image using fuzzy logic and other techniques, to recognise the pixel pattern, and automatically marks, locates and measures all the matches found. It is the only program of its type in the GGSD.
- MPRI - Geoenvironmental database systems
This is the only program in the GGSD specifically for compiling complete air and multi-media pollutant release inventories. The program generates current and complete records of facility gaseous, liquid, and solid waste emission rates and provides the data required to implement an ISO14001 derived Environmental Management System.
- PileClash - Piles (lateral loading and groups)
A free Excel worksheet that checks for close passes between adjacent piles. Useful for congested pile areas where the actual length of piles may be indeterminate.
- RINVERT for Windows - Geophysics
A resistivity sounding modelling package running under Windows. It does forward modelling (simulation) where the sounding curve is generated from the user input model, and inverse modelling (automatic interpretation) to find the best models which fit the sounding data. It automatically modifies an initial estimate of a layered earth model until the simulated and observed sounding data agree closely.
- RockWorks98 3D Visual Pro - Geological modelling
The RockWare suite of geological modelling tools gets a 3D data visualisation add-on.
- SpheriStat Lite - Plotting (special)
This is a reduced feature version of the SpheriStat stereographic projection plotting program. It will plot axial and polar data on equal area and equal angle nets, and produce colour-filled contours of point density, with 3 fixed-circle and 3 Gaussian counting options. There are Eigenvector and Fisher statistics and five tests of sample uniformity. In fact it has just about everything that the geotechnical engineer requires for rock discontinuity data presentation and analysis, and leaves out the more esoteric features required only by the structural geologist.
- TSLOPE - Slope stability (soil)
TSLOPE is a well established slope stability analysis program, but has been re-written as one of the new breed of Web/Java applications. A Java client (or user interface software) is provided free of charge. The user downloads the Java client and installs it on any device able to run Java applications. Once an account is established with TAGAsoft the user can submit a problem composed by the Java client to the server using the internet. The server based software carries out the appropriate calculations. Results are returned over the internet, and the Java client program is used to display the results. Example problems can be tried for free. If you only occasionally need to do slope stability analysis this may be a very cost effective option for you.
- Visual HELP - Groundwater flow (1D)
Visual HELP is a hydrological modelling environment for designing landfills, predicting leachate mounding and evaluating potential leachate contamination. The program allows the user to graphically create several profiles representing different parts of a landfill. Then automatically generate statistically reliable weather data and run complex model simulations. The results are presented as time-series data in a daily, monthly or yearly format of precipitation, evapotranspiration and runoff, lateral drainage, percolation/leakage and average head in specific layers.
- WinLoG LT - Borehole log production
WinLoG LT is a "light" version of the WinLoG program, that can be used to create, edit and print geotechnical and environmental testpit logs in black and white or colour. The program comes with several testpit templates, which can be used to plot different testpit log formats. The program's capabilities appear to be quite adequate for the production of testpit logs, but it is not suitable for borehole log production; for that you need the full version of the program. The main attraction that separates it from the plethora of other log production programs is that it is free.
*************************************************
The GeoIndex search engine
GeoIndex is the only WWW search engine specifically dedicated to geoenvironmental and geotechnical web sites. The GeoIndex search engine has just been completely overhauled, it is now easier to use and quicker. You can use the GeoIndex search engine from within GGSD by clicking on the GeoIndex button at the bottom of the left hand frame menu. This will make a search of the WWW, not specifically of the GGSD site. To search for programs in the GGSD by keyword or a more general concept use the "Search for programs" option at the top of the left hand frame menu, not GeoIndex.
*************************************************
GGSD visitors
The GGSD has now had over 62,000 visitors since it was started in 1996, and it has just past the half a million page hits. In the last four months since it moved to the new site the traffic has increased at over 20 percent per month. Thank you; it makes all the late nights updating the GGSD feel worthwhile.
*************************************************
Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Software Directory © Bedrock 2026