GGSD Program Details for Plaxis 3D Foundation

Plaxis 3D Foundation

Category	Numerical analysis (soil)
Publisher	PLAXIS B.V.
Platform	Win2000, WinXP, Vista
Status	Commercial
Description	Plaxis 3D Foundation is a finite element package intended for the three-dimensional deformation analysis of foundation structures. A project geometry is modelled using a top view approach. The input of soil data, structures, construction stages, loads and boundary conditions is based on CAD drawing procedures. Soil layers are defined by means of boreholes. Multiple boreholes can be placed in the geometry to define a non-horizontal soil stratigraphy or inclined ground surface. It automatically interpolates layer and ground surface positions in between the boreholes. Structures are defined in horizontal work planes. Multiple work planes can be defined to create complex foundations, multi-storey basements and relevant parts of the upper structure. The program allows for an automatic generation of unstructured 2D finite element meshes based on the top view. From this 2D mesh, a 3D mesh is automatically generated, taking into account the soil stratigraphy and structure levels as defined in the boreholes and work planes. Quadratic 15-node wedge elements are available to model the deformations and stresses in the soil. Foundations may involve structural objects like walls, floors and beams. A special type of beam element can be used to model slender one-dimensional objects with a significant flexural rigidity. Special plate elements can be used to model raft foundations, basements, walls and floors of buildings, as well as other parts of structures. The behaviour of these elements is defined using elastic stiffness properties or non-linear deformation curves. Interface elements are automatically added to walls to allow for a proper modelling of soil-structure interaction. Circular and square piles can be defined using a pile designer. Massive piles are composed of volume elements whereas hollow piles are composed of wall elements. Pile-soil interaction can be modelled using interfaces around the pile. Various types of loads (point loads, line loads, distributed loads) can be applied in the model. Different loads and load levels can be activated independently in each construction stage. The Mohr-Coulomb model may be used to compute realistic bearing capacities and collapse loads of footings, as well as other applications in which the failure behaviour of the soil plays a dominant role. An elasto-plastic type of hyperbolic model is available which allows for plastic compaction (cap hardening) as well as plastic shearing due to deviatoric loading (friction hardening). Structural behaviour may be defined as linear elastic material orthotropy or as non-linear elastic force-deformation curves. Complex pore pressure distributions may be generated on the basis of the input of water levels or pore pressure distributions in the boreholes. Excess pore pressures are computed when undrained soil layers are subjected to loading. Automatic load stepping avoids the need for users to select suitable load increments for non-linear calculations. Arc-length control enables accurate computations of collapse loads and failure mechanisms to be carried out. Staged construction enables a realistic simulation of construction and excavation processes by activating and deactivating clusters of elements, application of loads, changing of water pressure distributions. A preview option is available to check model and calculation settings in a graphical 3D environment. Since 3D calculations can be quite time consuming, it is important to check the model carefully before starting the calculation process. The postprocessor has enhanced 3D graphical features for displaying computational results. Exact values of displacements, stresses, strains and structural forces can be obtained from the output tables. Plots and tables can be sent to output devices or to the Windows clipboard.
Cost	12500 Euro. 3D Suite: 18000 Euro (3D Tunnel+3D Foundation). Educational discount available
Data formats supported	None stated
Supplier in Australia	Techsoft Australasia Pty. Ltd.
Supplier in Brazil	Terratek Ltd
Supplier in China	China Academy of Building Research
Supplier in Egypt	El-Mossallamy, Dr. Yasser
Supplier in France	TERRASOL
Supplier in Hong Kong	Solutions Research Centre Ltd. (Hong Kong)
Supplier in India	Ram Caddsys Pvt Ltd
Supplier in Indonesia	GTL GEOTECH SERVICES
Supplier in Italy	GEOSPHERA High-Tech Supplies
Supplier in Japan	JIP Techno-Science Corporation (JTS)
Supplier in Lebanon	BAT Concept
Supplier in Malaysia	CONSOFT Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
Supplier in Mexico	GEO INGENIERIA ALFVEN, SA de CV
Supplier in Netherlands	PLAXIS B.V.
Supplier in Russian Federation	NIP-Informatica
Supplier in Singapore	CONSOFT International Pte Ltd
Supplier in South Korea	Basis Soft Inc.
Supplier in Taiwan	Genesis Group-Taiwan
Supplier in Thailand	Twoplus Soft Co., Ltd.
Supplier in Tunisia	Terrasol Tunisia
Supplier in Turkey	GEOGRUP INSAAT A.S.
Supplier in United Kingdom	Wilde FEA Ltd
Supplier in United States of America	GEMSoft
Supplier in United States of America	GEOCOMP Corporation
Supplier in United States of America	Lachel Felice & Associates