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  • PLAXIS 3D

    Geoengineering projects made easy.

PLAXIS 3D Geotechnical Engineering Software

Perform accurate three-dimensional analysis of deformation and stability in geotechnical engineering and rock mechanics with PLAXIS 3D. The user-friendly, finite element package with trusted computation is used by geotechnical engineers worldwide. When you are tasked with complex topography and geo-strata, choose PLAXIS 3D to: 

  • Analyze surface settlements in tunneling, mining or reservoir depletion
  • Predict differential settlements of buildings adjacent to excavation pits
  • Plan for stability and seepage into excavation pits or lateral displacements of diaphragm walls
  • Calculate necessary consolidation time for pore pressure dissipation in undrained loading problems
  • Estimate bearing capacity and foundation settlement analysis for high-rise buildings, LNG tanks, and other structures
 
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User Quote

  • "The power to collaborate with design, construction, and the owner is where PLAXIS really shines."

    Brice Exley, P.E. Senior Associate Geotechnical Engineer Haley & Aldrich
    • PLAXIS 3D
    • PLAXIS 3D Powerful-and-versatile-post-processing
    • PLAXIS 3D Realistic-assessment-of-stresses-and-displacements
    • PLAXIS 3D Fast-and-efficient-finite-element-model-creation
    • PLAXIS Swept MKT
    • PLAXIS Allows imposing stress field
    • PLAXIS Use loft polycurves
    • Creation of access portal by lofting polycurves
    • PLAXIS 3D
    • PLAXIS 3D
    • PLAXIS 3D Powerful-and-versatile-post-processing
    • PLAXIS 3D Realistic-assessment-of-stresses-and-displacements
    • PLAXIS 3D Fast-and-efficient-finite-element-model-creation
    • PLAXIS Swept MKT
    • Field Stress by Cluster
    • PLAXIS Allows imposing stress field
    • Loft Polycurves
    • Girder Definition for Tunnel
    • PLAXIS Use loft polycurves
    • Creation of access portal by lofting polycurves
    • Extrusion along NURBS curve
    • Scripting Reference
Capabilities

  • Accelerate post-process analysis results efficiently

    • Leverage powerful and versatile post-processing and display forces, displacements, stresses, and flow data in contour, vector, and iso-surface plots in various ways. Cross-section capabilities allow for a more detailed analysis of the results. Data can be copied from tables or via Python-based scripting for further processing purposes outside of PLAXIS. The Curve manager enables graph creation, plotting various types of results from available calculation data.

  • Complete undrained analysis

    • Model undrained behavior either using total stress approach or effective stress approach. Consider shorter-term analysis for construction design in homogeneous and non-homogeneous clay layers. Evaluate the building up of excess pore water pressure in sandy and silty layers during a seismic event. Accurately evaluate dissipation of excess pore pressure due to consolidation in both static and dynamic analyses.

  • Conduct dynamic analysis with earthquake data

    • In modeling the dynamic response of a soil or rock structure, the inertia of the subsoil and the time dependency of the load are considered. The time-dependent behavior of the load can be assigned through harmonic, linear, or table multipliers. Via table input, users can import real earthquakes signals to perform meaningful seismic design of jetties or foundations. Dynamic multipliers can be assigned independently in the x- and y-directions in PLAXIS 2D dynamics feature and x-, y-, and z-directions in PLAXIS 3D dynamics feature.

  • Define realistic and accurate initial conditions

    • Generate realistic initial stress and pore pressures fields in equilibrium with the soil weight through either K0-procedure or gravity loading. Automatically define state of over-consolidation for advanced constitutive models and set-up initial stresses in the soil body, considering both the influence of the weight of the material and the history of its formation. The field stress initial calculation complements the gravity-based initial stress definition and makes it easier to define the in-situ stress for the non-uniform deep ground conditions, such as those encountered in deep tunneling or reservoir geomechanics.

  • Enhance tunnel modeling

    • Take advantage of the Tunnel Designer features for easier and faster definition of tunnel models. Quickly define tunnel cross-section, trajectory, and excavation routine to quick definition and regeneration of calculation phases. Conveniently define rockbolts, tunnels girders, and umbrella arches from the tunnel designer modeling environment and create complex tunnel reinforcement systems in 3D. Straightforwardly and iteratively define construction phases in stage construction, having PLAXIS 3D automatically looping over the defined tunnel construction routine.

  • Evaluate flow-deformation coupling through consolidation analysis

    • Precisely evaluate the mechanical process by which soil gradually changes volume in response to a change in pressure over time. Evaluate long-term settlement of foundations or earthworks over weak and non-permeable soil layer, such as marine clay. Safely evaluate possible technical risks associated with consolidation in areas like land reclamation, construction of embankments, tunnels, and basement excavation in clay.

  • Execute dynamic simulation with consolidation calculation type

    • Simulate the coupling between soil deformations and transient seepage in the dynamic loading phase. Using this new, advanced calculation type offers generally improved stress predictions and accounts for both eventualities of accumulation and dissipation of excess pore pressures during earthquakes.

  • Fully automate meshing procedures

    • Speed up mesh generation process with PLAXIS 3D, taking advantage of our fully automated meshing workflow. By default, automatic mesh refinement is provided in areas closed to structural elements, as well as it is being enforced for the satisfaction of optimum element shape and length ratio through our cutting-edge technology enhanced mesh refinement (EMR). Our latest releases offer the new swept meshing option, which automatically determines usable volumes and sweeping direction in mesh generation to develop more efficient meshes, especially for geometry featuring linear objects like tunnels, road embankments, and levees.

  • Obtain accurate steady-state flow analysis for dewatering and groundwater control

    • Easily generate non-hydrostatic pore water pressure distribution in the initial hydraulic gradients or after dewatering. Leverage water-level definition for fast and straightforward generation of boundary conditions for groundwater flow analysis. Evaluate steady-state temperature distribution for underground cable system of retaining wall under severe climatic conditions.

  • Perform time-dependent flow analysis

    • Go beyond the default options of steady-state groundwater flow analysis PLAXIS Advanced with the PLAXIS Ultimate. Assign time dependent variation or fluxes to water levels, model boundaries, or soil boundaries to simulate various complex hydrological and/or thermal conditions. The input of the time dependent properties is based on harmonic, linear, or table functions. This allows seasonal variations of river water levels behind embankments and their effect on the overall slope stability to be modeled. Precipitation, wells, and drains can be included in the model, allowing pumping tests or other hydrological applications to be modeled.
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