1.

Introduction to SoilWorks

This chapter will introduce you to graphics layout and modelling basics in SoilWorks.
SoilWorks is user friendly, intuitive and robust package for 2D geotechnical analyses.
SoilWorks can perform both Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Limit Equilibrium Analysis
(LEM) within one software package. It finds its applications in geo-structural analyses for slope
stability, excavations, foundations and pile groups, seepage, soft ground and coupled
analyses.
SoilWorks v2.1 provides the following modules with conditional data interoperability
a.) Ground Module – general FEA of ground deformations
b.) Slope Module – slope stability analysis by LEM and FEM
c.) Rock Module – rock slope stability analysis by Stereographic Projection and LEM
d.) Soft Ground Module – settlement and consolidation analysis by 1D-Consolidation (Closed-
Form Solutions) and FEM
e.) Foundation Module – single pile and pile ground analysis by p-y method
f.) Seepage Module – steady-state and transient seepage analysis by FEM
g.) Dynamic Module – seismic and vibration analysis by FEM

Analysis is performed in the following three stages:

a.) Pre-Processing: This is the first stage of modelling process where 2D model geometry can
be created/imported within SoilWorks. For LEM analysis, ground and structural entities are
represented by two dimensional surfaces and one dimensional lines. For FEM analysis, once
the two dimensional surfaces (ground) and one dimensional (structural components) have
been assigned respective properties, the complex model is discretised into simpler elements.
After meshing, loads and boundary conditions are applied either to mesh or to geometry. The
analysis case is prepared and model information is then written in a format which solver can
interpret and the data is sent for processing.
b.) Solving: SoilWorks has a built-in solver to analyse problems by LE and FE methods. Input
data for analysis is obtained from the Pre-Processing stage and calculates outputs in terms of
Factor of Safety (FoS), Displacement, Stress, Strains, Reactions, Velocities, Accelerations
etc. Since each analysis module is dedicated to a particular analysis, the type of result outputs
may vary from one module to another.
c.) Post-Processing: The results generated by the solver are displayed and extracted using
various Post-Processing features. SoilWorks generates high quality colour contoured plots,
line diagrams, tabular output for results and animations. SoilWorks automatically generates
high quality report including model set up and the requested result output. The Post-
Processing features are highly customisable to suit user requirement.

1.1 Launching SoilWorks

SoilWorks is 32-bit PC based software. To start SoilWorks on a PC
• From the Start Menu, select All Programs > MIDAS > SoilWorks or,

1
 • Launch SoilWorks from by double clicking the shortcut icon
When SoilWorks starts, the Project Manager window loads up through which a desired module
or an existing model file can be opened directly.

SoilWorks doesn’t restrict users in choosing the location and number of working directories.
By clicking on icon in the Project Manager window, SoilWorks looks for and saves a model
file in the directory which was accessed during the last operation of the software. A model file
not listed under ‘Open an existing model file’ can be accessed by clicking the icon and
locating the file.

1.2 Online Help

SoilWorks offers documentation in the online help. The Help can be accessed through the
ribbon menu or the use of ‘F1’ key on your keyboard. If the user accesses help through the
use of ‘F1’ key the help documentation automatically opens the section representing the panel
that the user is actively in.

1.3 SoilWorks Graphical User Interface

Quick Access Toolbar: Toggle between different analysis modules
Main Menu: Modelling options arranged in groups; arranged as a ribbon
Analysis Toolbar: Analysis Run and Report Generation. Toggle between Pre and Post mode
Selection Toolbar: Selection of geometry or mesh entities
Works Tree: Expandable tree system for access to modelling, post-processing results and
design report. Toggle between ‘Works’, ‘Results’ and ‘Design and Report’
Command Output: Text output for functions used
Command Line: Invoke menu options by typing keywords

2
Work Window: 2D plane for creating model and viewing results
Coordinates: Shows the current location of mouse in terms of coordinates
Drawing Toolbar: Right-click to activate options for Grid Settings, Snap Settings and
Orthogonal draw
Unit System: Choose unit systems from pull down menu. Unit systems can be changed any
time during modelling
*some options may vary from one module to another

1.4 Command Line Keywords

SoilWorks allows users to open menu options directly from the Command Line. Access the
list of available command options in one of the following ways:
• Type ‘opengca’ or ‘?’ in the Command Line and press enter
• Go to SoilWorks folder in the installation directory and locate the file named
‘SoilWorksCommand’. Double-click to open the command file.

1.5 Material Database

SoilWorks provides built-in database for ground and structural materials. Ground database
files (*.gdb) can be accessed by going to the installation directory of SoilWorks and then
locating ‘Dbase’ folder.
The ground database files can be viewed in Notepad. These database files have predefined
material parameters for quick set up of analysis models. Users can also create their own
ground database files by the following procedure:
• Click any *.gdb file and create its copy. Rename the copied file.
• Open the file in Notepad and replace existing material properties with user defined
values.
• Save and close the file.

3
1.6 Mouse Controls
• Left Mouse Button (LMB)
o Select entities from Menu and Work Window

• Middle Mouse Button (MMB)

o Press MMB and drag mouse to Pan
o Scroll to zoom in/out

• Right Mouse Button (RMB)

o Right click against a selected entity, Work
Window or Command Output to open context menu