Introduction

A road embankment is usually a long structure and lies on non-homogeneous subsoil conditions at different locations. 
A plane strain (2D) model can be utilized to analyze different sections of the embankment and PLAXIS 2D can provide insights into settlements, slope stability, and other key results.
However, the creation of a large number of models can be a time-consuming process and repetitive work can be cumbersome, especially when similar cross sections are considered.

Figure 1. Variables used for embankment model geometry definition

Figure 2. Python solution for the creation of an embankment cross section in PLAXIS 2D

Python solution

The Python scripts create a half-symmetric 2D model which creates the geometry based on user input. It considers the soil layers as well as the embankment information along with the loading conditions and consolidation time. The solution also covers the meshing and preparation of the necessary Staged construction phases which are set to perform a consolidation and a follow-up safety analysis.
The outcome of the script apart from the calculated PLAXIS 2D model is a report containing the key results for the performed analyses.
This Python script is originally based on a Python solution created for the purpose of handling the Automatically generated cross-sections of embankments (see link).

Assumptions

• Geometry of the embankment is known as described in Figure 1.
• Three (3) soil layers are included in the model
• Line loads are considered per construction stage
• Materials considered are provided in the Python script
• Analyses performed are of consolidation with a user-specified time.
• Each consolidation is followed by a safety analysis
• Text file report is generated in the directory of the PLAXIS project

Instructions

1. Download the zipped file containing the Python script
2. Extract the zipped file in a local directory
   Or
3. Extract the zipped file in a local directory and copy the embankment_example_with_results.py file to:
   • [PLAXIS 2D installation directory]\pytools\input
4. Make sure to adjust the boilerplate on line #53 (uncomment) and #55 (comment).
5. Start PLAXIS Input.
6. In the Expert menu,
   • go to Expert > Python > Editor..., open the embankment_example_with_results.py and run it (F5)
     Or
   • go to Expert > Run Python script > Open... browse for embankment_example_with_results.py

Version

This script has been tested with PLAXIS 2D 2024.2 and Python 3.12.3.