A series of short tutorial videos which cover some of the most common modelling and analysis scenarios are provided here. All are recorded in real time and demonstrate just how easy it is to be productive with LimitState:GEO. Click on a link to open a movie in a new window:
Creating a Model
Gravity Wall Wizard [1:18] - Common problem types such as slopes, footings and retaining walls can be rapidly defined in LimitState:GEO using the built-in wizards. Here, the Gravity Wall wizard is used to generate a model before an analysis is conducted. The entire process takes a little over 1 minute.
User-defined Geometry [1:14] - The wizards are a good starting point if you wish to define your own problem geometry. Here a vertical footing is generated with a wizard and the problem is then modified by the user to include multiple soil layers (including a lens) and a slope.
Starting from Scratch [1:53] - If your problem cannot be defined by modifying the geometry generated by a wizard then you can start with an Empty Project and quickly draw and modify your own geometry on-screen. Here, a propped excavation problem is set up and solved. The geometry is then modified to determine the effect of excavating horizontally beneath the prop. The influence of this on the adequacy factor and associated failure mechanism is clearly evident.
DXF Import [1:43] - To save time, LimitState:GEO allows you to import problem geometries from a DXF file, a feature which is especially useful when dealing with complex geometries. Here, the geometry for a retaining wall problem is imported before materials, supports and loading are applied. The model is here analysed assuming that the wall is formed from blocks which are effectively 'glued' together. However, the wall could easily be modelled as a series of blocks separated by frictional interfaces simply by applying a suitable material to the inter-block boundaries.
Modifying a Model
Adding Soil Layers [1:31] - Adding new soil layers to a model is simple - starting with two points and a line, layers can be quickly generated via the interactive viewer and then fine-tuned with the Geometry Editor. Here, a layer of clay is added to the bottom of a Vertically Loaded Footing problem.
Adding a Water Table [1:19] - Water pressure tables are quickly generated by drawing them on-screen. Here, a water table is applied to a slope stability problem containing a material with zero tensile capacity. Analysis and subsequent animation highlights the presence of water-filled tension cracks.
Analysis Options
Rotations [0:53] - LimitState:GEO gives the user the option of modelling either purely translational failure mechanisms or failure mechanisms involving rotations. Here an eccentically loaded footing in close proximity to a vertical cut is modelled and analysed both with and without rotations. The results show that the adequacy factor is reduced by approx. 15% in the latter case.
Eurocode 7 [1:11] - Modern design codes such as Eurocode 7 require that multiple partial factor sets and scenarios are taken into consideration during analysis. LimitState:GEO is designed with this in mind. Here, a Simple Footing is defined and, using the Scenario Manager, analysed for 3 different scenarios including EC7 Design Approaches 1 and 2. The critical case is quickly identified and highlighted.
Post Analysis
Report Output [1:18] - The important data from a LimitState:GEO analysis is compiled in a professional report, the contents of which are fully customizable with your company logo and choice of sections (e.g. Summary, Results, Free Body diagrams etc.). Here, a Stem Wall problem is analysed and a full report generated. This can then be saved in RTF or HTML format, or printed off for clients or colleagues.