Problem description

Since the release of 2D2010, calculations of independent phases could be done parallel, e.g. when both Phase 2 and Phase 3 started from Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 are now calculated simultaneously, saving a lot of precious calculation time. Due to this calculation optimization, the stop – continue behaviour does not work as robust as it did in 2DV9.02 and earlier, especially when the calculation is time dependent (transient groundwater flow, consolidation, creep). For this reason, we stated that this stop – continue calculation behaviour should not be used in PLAXIS 2D2010.0, but you should recalculate the whole phase again. Please note that this stop-continue calculation behaviour did work properly (that is within the specified tolerance) in earlier PLAXIS 2D versions: V8 and V9.

Note: this is not about the PAUSE funtionality, but about the scheme of really cancelling a calculation and then select if for calculation again.

Solution

After some investigation how this functionality was used, we found out that it was mainly used to halt the calculation to inspect intermediate results for very time intensive calculations, like dynamics. After it was verified that the calculation did not diverge, or the correct settings were applied in the actual calculation, the phase's calculation was continued.

For the release of 2D 2011, the Plaxis development team has made a new option. It is now possible to inspect the results during calculation without stopping it:  users can now inspect the calculation results in real-time by using the Preview option.