Problem description

Since PLAXIS 2011 versions, it is possible to copy and paste complete material datasets in the Plaxis Material database.

With this option, it is e.g. possible to modify the datasets in the SoilTest application and copy+paste the adjusted material data set into the general Plaxis program.

In PLAXIS 3D2011 you can use this copy+paste material dataset option to create a new dataset, but it cannot edit an existing soil material dataset. After you paste the material in an existing material dataset and you click OK to confirm the changes, you may notice the following error in the command line Session pane:
Unknown object. Check the spelling and ensure the object exists before trying to access it.

As a result, the changes to this soil material dataset are not saved.

Note: this problem is related to use paste to edit a reopened existing soil material dataset. The options to copy an entire material from the global material database to the local material database, or to copy an existing material dataset in the soil datasets list work correctly.

Solution

In PLAXIS 3D 2011 it is possible to use the paste-soil-material-dataset-data option to create a new dataset. To do so, just start a new soil material dataset, and then use the paste material button. After you press OK, you will see a green text that confirms that the newly created material dataset has been edited:

If you want to use this new material to replace the soil dataset with the old parameters, the materials should be reassigned to the soils and volumes manually.

Tip: In order to keep the material database as clean as possible, users can remove the old dataset from the local material database to prevent confusion later in the project.

The issue is fixed in PLAXIS 3D2012.