Interfaces and soils input

The interfaces are introduced using the "Interface" input mode. They may either separate layers of distinct soils or layers of soils to be excavated in individual stages of construction. In this example the terrain and the desired horizontal interfaces are found at depths of 0.00m, -3.00m, -3.50m and –5.50m. A free point on terrain surface having coordinates [0.00, 0.00] is introduced to denote the upper end point of the sheeting wall.

Shape of terrain and interfaces input

Individual soils together with material models are selected next using the "Soils" input mode. The "Assign" mode is used to introduce individual soils into the profile. Choosing a plastic material model representing the soil response is essential to correctly capture the distribution of earth pressures. In this example, both soils are assumed to follow the Mohr-Coulomb plasticity model.

Soil parameters input

Soil parameters input

The following figure shows the soils assigned to individual interfaces of the profile.

Assigning soils to the profile

The next step requires introduction of contact elements.