www.plaxis.nl l Spring 2011 l Plaxis Bulletin 5

»TPS had several people requiring training on the modeling of deep excavations using

PLAXIS 2D and more particularly in the case of propped cantilever retaining walls. The intention of TPS was to give a number of their geotechnical and civil engineering graduates a course with a balance between an overview of PLAXIS 2D and its modeling capabilities together with a worked example requiring practical hands-on computer analyses of a current project using the PLAXIS software. In this context, typical soil model and design parameters for a section of propped secant piled wall taken from a recent project design was provided.

Proposed Course ScheduleThe first part of this course (morning session) was organized with fundamental lectures on PLAXIS 2D features and on the use of the software in the most relevant aspects involved in deep excavations modeling. The morning session was split in two parts: Morning Session Part I:• Introduction to PLAXIS 2D

• Input program• Calculation facilities• Output program

• Geometry and Mesh Selection• Overview of Soil Material Models in Plaxis

Morning Session Part II:• Initial Stresses Definition in Plaxis• Modeling Deep Excavation in Plaxis

• Structural elements• Dewatering• Interaction soil-structure

The afternoon session was focusing on practical applications and organized around relevant hands-on exercises as follows:• Practical application I: Dry excavation using a

tied back wall• Practical application II: Settlement due to tun-

nel construction• Worked example: Modeling of a propped

retaining wall with PLAXIS• Comparison with WALLAP.

ConclusionsUpon request Plaxis has provided high-level technical assistance in setting up a one-day practical training course which has been customized to TPS specific requirements. PLAXIS Expert Services has boosted TPS’s analytical skills in the field of deep excavations and increased their productivity resulting in a faster return on their software utilization and investment.

“Excellent course run by a very knowledgeable Plaxis representative. There was a good blend of theory which was augmented by a workshop where we were talked through a worked example. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an introduction to PLAXIS and FE modelling”

The CompanyTPS (part of the Carillion Group) is a team of professional engineers, architects, project managers and consultants. Their extensive range of engineering skills and specialist knowledge enables them to provide professional expertise across all aspects of the construction industry. TPS provides comprehensive integrated services to a wide client base including government, local authority and private sector businesses.

Plaxis was contracted by TPS Consult to provide in-house PLAXIS 2D course program with special emphasis on deep

excavation modeling for both their geotechnical and structural engineers. Thanks to PLAXIS Expert Services, a one-day

tailored course program exactly matching TPS requirements has been implemented.

Jon Holliday, TPS Consult

PLAXIS Expert Services Update

“Highly recommended for anyone looking for an introduction to PLAXIS and FE modelling”

TPS has a proven track record of meeting tough challenge and finding cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems throughout the project life cycle, backed by quality, health and safety, and environmental management system certification.

Customer Quotes“An extremely useful introduction to PLAXIS 2D with a course tailored to suit our requirements. The presentations were concise and well delivered with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion. The course tailored by Plaxis also provided a hands-on practical workshop assisted by a very knowledgeable and helpful Plaxis representative.”