To Send to PLAXIS 3D

The user will navigate to Utilities tab and select the PLAXIS3D option. The transfer to PLAXIS3D is done by sending sections (for conventional tunnels) or rings (for TBM tunnels) under the form of a chain of elements.


In the newly opened window, the user will be able to specify the following options:

  • Model name - The name of the .py file that will be created for PLAXIS 3D.
  • Analytical Type:
    • Regions - The lining parts will be created as volumes.
    • Plates - The lining parts will be created as plates; an approximated (depending on the lining shape) plate thickness will be auto computed based on the area of the lining part; user may change this value in PLAXIS after the transfer.
    • Combined - This option will combine the Regions and Plates options in one single transfer file.

  • Beam Type : For the reinforcements that are modeled as bars, 3 options as provided for defining the element type in PLAXIS 3D:

    • Beams : Embedded beam ; i.e, only the centerline of the element will be created

    • Volumes : No embedded beam, the bar is modeled as a cilinder

    • Combined : Dummy beam approach; i.e, combination of Beams and Volumes options

  • Boreholes : After connecting to OpenGround project, boreholes will be provided in the drop down list and user will be able to select the boreholes that will be transferred. PLAXIS 3D will create the soil meshes based on the information coming from the boreholes. The boreholes in PLAXIS 3D will be created with the following information:

    • Borehole name, as defined in OpenGround

    • Borehole coordinates - translated to PLAXIS 3D coordinate system in relation to the tunnel structure

    • Head (water level) - if it exists in the borehole properties

    • Soil color – as defined in the borehole properties

  • Send to PLAXIS - If the option is checked, the corresponding information will be sent to PLAXIS.


By accessing the Edit Model, the user may configure the script file to be written with the information for a single tunnel corridor or multiple corridors (like twin tunnels). The options provided are:

  • Corridor Name - The user will be able to select a tunnel corridor from the available tunnel corridors that exist in the model.
  • Start unit - The name of the start unit from the selected tunnel corridor.
  • Start section - The name of the start section from the selected start unit.
  • End unit - The name of the end unit from the selected tunnel corridor.
  • End section - The name of the end section from the selected start unit.
  • Model length - The length of the tunnel measured between the selected start and end sections (auto computed).
  • Send Corridor - the selected tunnel corridor will/not be sent to PLAXIS.