Since PLAXIS 2D AE, it is possible to directly apply a distributed load on the tunnel lining using the available feature in the Tunnel Designer.

When editing a tunnel, after defining the Cross Section, switch to the Properties tab and select the relevant cluster, i.e. any tunnel segment.

Use the right mouse button (RMB) on the tunnel segment to Create a line load and see the added options in the Tunnel Designer’s explorer.

The available settings for the Distribution of the line loads are:

• Uniform
• Linear
• Perpendicular
• Perpendicular, vertical increment

Alternatively, as a trick to simulate a distributed load, it is possible to use the cluster WaterConditions set to User-defined, while the following are met:

• the cluster is deactivated and does not contain water,
• the load is acting perpendicular to the boundaries of the cluster,
• the analysis does not concern groundwater flow

The WaterConditions of any cluster can be defined in Flow conditions or Staged construction mode.