In this chapter a first application of PLAXIS 3D is considered, namely the settlement of a foundation in clay. This is the first step in becoming familiar with the practical use of the program.The general procedures for the creation of a geometry, the generation of a finite element mesh, the execution of a finite element calculation and the evaluation of the output results are described here in detail. The information provided in this chapter will be utilised in the following lessons. Therefore, it is important to complete this first lesson before attempting any further tutorial examples.
The attached *.p3dlog file contains all the commands to generate the model. With a Bentley Geotechnical SELECT Entitlement [GSE] licence, you can use the commands runner to open the *.p3dlog file and to execute all commands in one go, see also this instruction.
PLAXIS 3D Tutorial 02: Excavation in sand [Tutorials]