Settle3D Question

[SoilRocks]

I have a question for all the Settle3D experts out there. In working with an excavation, I set up stages (Initial, Dewater, Excavation, Load). There is some settlement from dewatering, and some significant rebound from the excavation phase. I want to show settlement due to load starting at the end of excavation (as positive values), and to calculate "modulus of soil subgrade" values. Right now they are negative!?! This works at-grade, but the rebound is throwing me off on plotting. I can do all this by hand, but would prefer to solve it with Settle3D. I tried setting the excavation stage as the reference stage, but the modulus of soil subgrade values are still negative. Any input appreciated.

 

[RGKVI]

wouldn't you be better suited using bearing capacity instead of subgrade modulus (unless you are modelling a slab rather than a pad). Subgrade modulus is a measurement of displacement with load so if you have heave then the value would be shown as negative as the displacement is going up instead of down. Technically resetting strain after the excavation should correct this (when I use Plaxis this is the case)so it could be a software error with settle3D.

 

[r13]

I don't know if it is a program problem, or the program correctly pointed out you have a weak-sensitive soil situation. I would try to figure out the characteristic of the soil that causing the rebound, or consider replace the problematic soil down to competent strata.

 

[EireChch]

Soil profile, excavation depth, Screenshots of the program showing displacement?

 

[SoilRocks]

Thanks all for the help. I had to go old school and solve this one by hand. I talked to Rocscience, and I guess Settle3D will not allow you to set the excavation phase as a reference stage for the purpose of tracking Modulus of Soil Subgrade as the load is applied. Definitely a shortcoming, but I think it is an excellent product nonetheless for many other reasons. Thanks.