Problem description

In PLAXIS 2D 2011.00, in random cases there could be a problem with the calculation of consolidation phases in models that uses 15-noded elements and interfaces. You will notice that the consolidation phase fails/stops directly at the start of calculation or does not start calculation at all. This behaviour is the result of a bug in the calculation kernel.

When this occurs, the program will not generate results for this phase.

As a result, you may also see the calculation arrow turning from blue into grey:

Solution

The following workarounds are available:

• a robust work around is to use 6-noded elements instead of 15-noded elements. If the user notices that results are now less accurate than he/she desires, a mesh refinement can be considered;
• where applicable: a work around is to remove the interfaces from the model;
• users that prefer to work with 15-noded elements and cannot remove the interfaces from the model are requested to contact our support department since for this case there is no standard workaround available. In most cases a solution can be found.

This has been fixed since PLAXIS 2D 2011.01