Problem description

Although the PLAXIS post-processor is supposed to be a general tool, serving both PLAXIS 2D and PLAXIS 3D, it is strongly recommended to use the original Output program of the corresponding PLAXIS version. PLAXIS does not guarantee full compatibility when using the Output program supplied with the PLAXIS 3D package to visualise results from PLAXIS 2D models, or vice versa.

A known example where inconsistency occurs is when presenting ‘Active pore pressures’ for a 3D 2012 project in the recent PLAXIS 2D (2012) Output program. In fact, the presented pore pressures ALSO include Suction, whereas Suction is NOT included when presenting Active pore pressures for a 2D project. Furthermore, when presenting total stresses of a 3D 2012 model in the recent 2D (2012) Output program, the results will not be as expected for the same reason (total stress = effective stress + active pore pressure).

Using the incorrect Output program for e.g. PLAXIS 3D 2012 results in PLAXIS 2D 2012’s Output can occur:

• when manually opening a PLAXIS 3D 2012 file in PLAXIS 2D 2012’s Output program via the Open project – option
• or when having the PLAXIS 2D 2012 Output program running on your computer, and you want to view the calculation results for a certain phase from the PLAXIS 3D Input program by clicking on the View results icon. In that case, Plaxis will detect an active (newer) Output program and will try to use that: now the PLAXIS 3D results are opened in PLAXIS 2D 2012’s Output program.

The issue does NOT occur when using the Output program of the corresponding PLAXIS version. You can check which version you are using via the Help > About menu item in the Output program.

Solution

In order to prevent inconsistency in the shown results, use the original Output program of the corresponding PLAXIS version, i.e.

• the PLAXIS 3D 2012.02 Output program (Build 7564, June 2012) with PLAXIS 3D 2012 models
• and the PLAXIS 2D 2012.00 Output program (Build 8315, December 2012) with PLAXIS 2D 2012 models.

Please check this in the Help > About menu item in the Output program.

Since PLAXIS 3D 2013 and PLAXIS 2D AE, the PLAXIS Output program will not reuse incompatible Output programs from other PLAXIS versions to prevent showing results in an incorrect Output version.