The on-demand introduction course to PLAXIS 2D (held on May 18-27, 2020) aims to give novice users a quick start in using the software. The training course consists of four (4) sessions of approximately three (3) hours each. Sessions one and two mainly focus on the functionality of PLAXIS 2D while sessions three and four focus on one of the most important and also most difficult part of geotechnical analysis: obtaining soil parameters.
All sessions include both presentations and live demos. Participants will also have some “homework” to do, in the form of an additional hands-on exercise, of which the results will be discussed at the beginning of the successive session.
Presenters:
The four sessions of this course are:
Session 1 gives an overview of the functionality of PLAXIS. Participants will learn the possibilities of creating a model and defining the construction process. At the end of the session, we will look into the use of structural elements.
In Session 2 we will focus on generating the best possible mesh and also look into the generation of initial stresses. The latter is important to make sure that your project starts from the correct initial stress state
In Session 3 we shift our focus from PLAXIS modelling to obtaining correct soil parameters. The Hardening Soil model is introduced, and it is explained how the parameters for this model can be obtained, specifically for sands from laboratory tests.
In Session 4 we will look into obtaining parameters for clay materials from oedometer and triaxial tests to be used in the Hardening Soil model. Additionally, some attention is given to the importance of the undrained behaviour of soils.
Attendees are highly encouraged to attend all four sessions. A basic working knowledge of PLAXIS 2D software is required to maximize learning of Soil Parameters (Sessions 3 and 4).