Hello,
I am working on a 3D model in Plaxis 3D. The geometry is a bit complicated and I have lots of problems with importing the CAD file. Does drawing units cause problems?
When I change the unit from meter to millimeter, for some 3D solids, Plaxis could recognize the soil volume and for some of them, I still have the same problem. Do you know what the reason is?
Cheers,
Reyhaneh
Dear Reyhaneh,
It is recommended to simplify imported geometry as possible.
By default PLAXIS imports units from CAD software without conversions. It means that 1000 mm in CAD for PLAXIS import will be 1000 m.For this case you can use Scaling option:
I think the best way is to submit a service request and send your project, so PLAXIS support engineers can help you in detail:https://apps.bentley.com/srmanager/ProductSupport
I am aware of a service request you submitted about CAD geometry. If this is it, then I will assist you from that one.
In most of the times, we need to check the CAD file itself to identify the reason for the problem.
From my experience, if you are importing a large structure of soil stratigraphy it is better to model it in meters as it makes it easier to read, too.
A finite element analysis intended for geotechnical purposes typically produces similar results without including details of millimetres. Including small details may require more effort in defining local refinements for best-quality meshing than the detailing in the outcome.