What will it do for you?
3D 'finite element calculation models' (FEM) offer the great advantage that conservative assumptions, which are often required in 2D models, can be omitted. Investing in a 3D calculation can therefore result in positive financial returns, since the design of the foundation and/or construction pit is optimized through a more realistic consideration and better insights into the deformation behaviour. In addition, the risk profile can also be better mapped and managed.

This applies in particular for foundations that can impact each other and where different deformations can occur in asymmetrical conditions and/or with large local differences in foundation loads.

Where a quay wall or (highway) road can be well modelled as a line element (2D), a construction pit is a structure that should be considered 3D, in view of the corner effects. The force effect and the deformation behaviour in the corners of a construction pit are namely different from the behaviour in the middle. This has consequences for struts and anchoring, as well as for the settlement impact on adjacencies. For example, adjacent buildings or cables and pipes at these corners will deform less due to the greater stiffness of the construction pit.

CRUX is specialized and highly skilled in performing 3D calculations using PLAXIS and has done this for the following projects, among others.