In this chapter a first application of PLAXIS 3D is considered, namely the settlement of a foundation in clay. This is the first step in becoming familiar with the practical use of the program.
The general procedures for the creation of a geometry, the generation of a finite element mesh, the execution of a finite element calculation and the evaluation of the output results are described here in detail. The information provided in this chapter will be utilised in the following lessons. Therefore, it is important to complete this first lesson before attempting any further tutorial examples.