New in PLAXIS 2D 2023.1
Import cross sections from Seequent Central
Geological model cross sections that were created in Leapfrog Works or Geo and published to Seequent Central, can now be imported directly into PLAXIS 2D with the new "Import Soil from Central" and "Import Geometry from Central" options, respectively in the Soil and Structures mode menus. The cross section is automatically imported as a collection of polygons and optimized for numerical analysis by reducing the number of points and line segments, allowing the user to define and assign material directly afterwards. This feature requires a valid Geotechnical SELECT Entitlement.
UDSM: Barcelona Basic model
The Barcelona Basic model (BBM) is a Cam-Clay type effective stress model for the behaviour of unsaturated soils. The PLAXIS version of the BBM is defined in terms of Bishop effective stress and suction as stress variables, with an improved yield surface to capture better stress triaxiality both for saturated and unsaturated soils. The most important features of the model consist of the capabilities to model both elastic swelling and irreversible 'collapse' deformation upon wetting, as well as shear strength decrease when suction is reduced. Therefore, the model is most suitable for collapsible and/or moderately expansive soil, such as low plasticity (silt, clayey sand etc.) and granular unsaturated soils. The Barcelona Basic Model was implemented with scientific support from the Polytechnic University Catalunya (UPC), where the model was originally developed. This support is gratefully acknowledged. The model is available in the Advanced and Ultimate tiers with a valid Geotechnical SELECT Entitlement.
Suction and Temperature in SoilTest
The SoilTest facility in PLAXIS 2D now has the option to account for an initial temperature and/ or suction for almost all the test types, except the Pressure meter test type. For the General test type, temperature and suction increments can be defined per test phase to replicate real life lab tests during which the temperature and/ or suction are varied. These new options allow users to calibrate model parameters for the more advanced material models in PLAXIS that may be derived from suction or temperature-controlled lab tests, like the Barcelona Basic Model or the Frozen/Unfrozen Barcelona Basic Model. These options are available in the Advanced and Ultimate tiers with a valid Geotechnical SELECT Entitlement.
Cable bolt added to Tunnel Designer's Reinforcements tab
The tunnel designer has been updated to include the Cable bolt element when defining the reinforcements. After adding reinforcements to a tunnel segment, the user can, in the property tree of the Reinforcements tab, now select from a new drop-down menu called "Element type" and choose between "Cable bolt" or "Rock bolt". The former uses the new element, the latter still uses the approach of previous releases namely the embedded beam element. Some objects and bolt configuration options have been renamed, fully changing the command and scripting signature.
Performance improvements related to Material Objects
The performance of the new material objects (introduced in the V22 release) has been improved. Significant benefits can be experienced during the creation of materials, interaction with the materials database, and the pre- and postprocessing of calculations.
PLAXIS part of Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company
PLAXIS has become part of Seequent, Bentley’s brand for subsurface modelling and analysis applications. As part of this transition, the versioning, logos and splash screens used in various places in the software and installer have seen some minor changes.