GeotechMaster-1 0 8 0-UsersManual

GEOTECH MASTER™
User’s Manual
www.qsystemsengineering.net
Phone: (303) 219-4981
Boulder, CO
U.S.A.
BLANK PAGE
Q Systems Engineering LLC
Structural and Geotechnical Consultants
support@qsystemsengineering.net
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01. INTRODUCTION 3
02. REGISTRATION 5
03. QUICK START 6
04. INPUT OF GENERAL DATA 8
05. GEOTECHNICAL DATA PAGE 10
05.1. SPT INFORMATION 13
05.2. CPT INFORMATION 14
06. STRENGTH PARAMETERS PAGE 14
06.1. GENERAL 14
06.2. OUTCOME 15
06.3. METHODS OF EVALUATION 16
07. SHALLOW BEARING CAPACITY PAGE 16
07.1. DESIGN DATA AND OUTCOME 16
07.2. DESIGN HINTS 17
07.3. SAVING SHALLOW BEARING CAPACITY RESULTS 18
08. STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF FOOTINGS 18
08.1. GRID AND GRAPHICS 18
08.2. DEFAULT VALUES 18
08.3. DATA THAT CAN BE ADJUSTED BY THE USER 19
08.4. OUTPUT - DESIGN OPTIONS 20
08.5. SAVE OUTPUT 20
09. CAPACITY OF PILES AND DRILLED SHAFTS 21
09.1. AXIAL LOADING OF SINGLE PILES 21
09.1.1. Design Data 21
09.1.2. Instructions for Efficient Use of the Plots 22
09.1.3. Design Hints 23
09.1.4. Saving Axial Pile Bearing Capacity Calculations 23
09.1.5. Saving Axial Piles Load-Deformation Calculations 23
09.2. TRANSVERSE LOADING OF SINGLE PILES 23
09.2.2. Instructions for Efficient Use of the Plot 24
09.2.3. Design Hint 25
09.2.4. Saving Current Transverse Pile Calculations 25
09.3. AXIAL AND LATERAL LOADING OF PILE GROUPS 25
09.4. AXIALLY LOADED GROUP EVALUATIONS 27
09.4.1. Design Outcome 27
09.4.2. Instructions for Efficient Use of the Plots 28
09.4.3. Saving Axial Bearing Capacity Calculations of Pile Group 28
09.4.4. Saving axial load-deformation calculations of pile group 29
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09.5. LATERALLY LOADED GROUP EVALUATIONS 29

09.5.1. Design Outcome 29
09.5.2. Instructions for Efficient Use of the Plot 30
09.5.3. Design Hint 30
09.5.4. Saving Current Transverse Pile Group Calculations 30
10. SWELLING SOILS 31

10.1. REQUIRED DATA: 31
10.2. OUTPUT 31
10.2.1. Shallow Foundations 31
10.2.2. Deep Foundations (Piles/Drilled Shafts) 32
11. FLEXIBLE RETAINING WALLS 33
11.1. REQUIRED DATA 33
11.1.1. Wall Geometry 33
11.1.2. Loads 33
11.1.3. Steel Yield Strength 34
11.1.4. Select Sheet Pile 34
11.1.5. Anchors 34
11.2. OUTPUT 35
11.2.1. Without Anchors 35
11.2.2. With Anchors 35
11.2.3. Evaluating the Factor of Safety 36
11.3. SAVING FLEXIBLE WALL CALCULATIONS 37
12. SLOPE STABILITY 37
12.1. REQUIRED DATA 37
12.1.1. Selection of Type of Slope 37
12.1.2. Slope Stability of a Cut 37
12.2. SLOPE STABILITY OF A FILL/EMBANKMENT 39
12.3. FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE TO BOTH CUT AND FILL OPTIONS 43
12.3.1. Drawing the Phreatic Surface 43
12.3.2. Surface Loads 45
12.3.3. Seismic Loads 46
12.4. OUTPUT - LIST OF FAILURE SURFACES 46

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01. Introduction
The goals of Geotech Master™ by Q-Systems Engineering LLC are:
 Assist Geotechnical Engineers develop more efficient Geotechnical Reports, by providing
solutions to most standard geotechnical problems, and
 Help Structural and Geotechnical Engineers evaluate the recommendations of
Geotechnical reports prepared by others.
Geotech Master™ receives basic geotechnical input and produces design recommendations
(output) as described below:
Input:
Basic borehole input, such as:
 Layering geometry.
 Soil index properties (Atterberg limits and USCS classification).
 SPT blow counts (if available in the geotechnical investigation).
 CPT data (if available in the geotechnical investigation).
Output:
 Geotechnical strength, compressibility, and swelling properties evaluated by Geotech
Master™ based on the borehole input, or modified by the User based on experience or
testing.
 Allowed bearing pressures and settlements of shallow foundations including the effects
of eccentric and lateral loads.
 Bearing capacity, settlement, and transverse deflection of SINGLE drilled shafts and piles
due to axial and lateral loads. The axial load capacity is based on t-z and q-z curves. The
analysis produces axial force capacity, and the relation between the axial force and the
settlement of the pile or pier top. The lateral load analysis is based on p-y curves. The
analysis produces deflections, shear force diagrams, bending moment diagrams, and
mobilized lateral pressures.
 Bearing capacity, settlement, and transverse deflection of GROUPS of drilled shafts and
piles due to axial and lateral loads. The axial load capacity is based on t-z and q-z curves.
The analysis produces axial force capacity, and the relation between the axial force and
the settlement of the pile or pier top. The lateral load analysis is based on p-y curves.
The analysis produces deflections, shear force diagrams, bending moment diagrams,
and mobilized lateral pressures.
 Swelling potential, including free swell, swelling pressures, evaluation of minimum
pressures of shallow footings based on maximum allowed footing heave, and minimum
length of piles to resist uplift based on the material properties and the permanent
compression of the piles.

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 Sheet Pile Walls. The software evaluates the ability of a specific sheet-pile wall to retain
a vertical excavation. Anchors are recommended and designed if the retaining structure
cannot meet deflection or stability limits without anchors.
 Stability of Slopes. The software uses the existing soil profile and receives a geometric
design of a cut. In the case of a fill, the User is expected to include geotechnical
information of the fill material. The outcome of the analysis is the factor of safety of the
slope against collapse.
Geotech Master™ is expecting knowledge of some or all of the following information:

1. Borehole data.
2. Soil index testing data (soil gradation and Atterberg Limits).
3. Development of a basic soil profile using the above information. For example, Layer 1
from 0 to 7 ft. which is well-graded sand, with USCS classification SW, a SPT blow
count of 12, and water content of 6%.
4. It is preferable to have each layer defined by a constant SPT blowcount, and/or
average CPT point resistance, if such data is available.
5. The above information is entered in the first Tab, which is labeled “Geotechnical
Data”.
STRENGTH OUTCOME
The strength parameters are produced in the "Strength Parameters" page, which is selected by
pressing on the tab titled "Strength Parameters". The User is provided with multiple options as
to how the soil strength parameters are produced.
SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS BEARING CAPACITY

The shallow bearing capacity recommendations are produced in the "Shallow Bearing Capacity"
page, which is selected by pressing on the tab titled "Shallow Bearing Capacity". The User is
presented with options regarding the range of depth of embedment of the footing, the range of
footing width, the angle of load inclination, the eccentricity of the load, and the shape of the
footing. The allowed bearing pressure is evaluated based on the desired factor of safety and,
optionally, a maximum allowed footing settlement.
Structural design recommendations, including pad thickness and steel reinforcement are also
provided.
PILES AND DRILLED SHAFTS

The axial and lateral load capacity for piles and drilled shafts (singles and in groups) are
produced in the "Pile Bearing Capacity" page, which is selected by pressing on the tab titled
"Pile Bearing Capacity". The User is presented with options regarding the range of depth of
embedment of the pile or shaft (this is the length of the pile or shaft), the cross-sectional

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dimensions, the pile/shaft material, the cross-sectional shape, and the axial and lateral loads. If
pile groups are selected, the User can select the pile/pier spacing in the x and y directions, and
whether they are pinned or fixed to the cap. The allowed bearing capacity and the
load-deformation curves are produced for axially (t-z and p-z curves) and laterally loaded piles
(p-y curves).
EXPANSIVE SOILS
For all the shallow foundations examined in the "Shallow Bearing Capacity" page, Geotech
Master™ evaluates the minimum required load to prevent a set maximum heave of the
footings. Similarly, for all pile foundations examined in the "Pile Bearing Capacity" page,
Geotech Master™ evaluates the minimum required length to prevent pull-out of the pile or
shaft due to swell uplift.
FLEXIBLE WALLS
Geotech Master™ evaluates the performance of a sheet pile wall to retain a vertical excavation,
and evaluates the required anchors to meet certain performance specifications.
SLOPE STABILITY
Geotech Master™ evaluates the factor of safety of a slope that is created either by cutting into
the existing profile, or by building an embankment (fill) on top of the existing soil profile.
02. Registration
A license is issued for a specific computer.
To obtain a license please follow these steps:
1. Start the demo software.

2. Click on the "Get License" menu option.
3. Click the "Make Payment" button.
4. Complete the Payment process. Your receipt will include a Payment Transaction
Number.
5. Click the "Computer Registration" Button.
6. Your email browser will be initiated.
7. A file is attached, which includes the basic hardware information of your computer.
This information is necessary for Q-Systems Engineering LLC to produce a license that
is specific to your computer.
8. Include the payment transaction number provided in your payment receipt.
9. Send us your email. We shall send you the license document within 24 hours. You
must copy the license document in the same folder as the computer program.
10. Your license will be valid for 1 year from the day that the license has been sent to

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you.
If your purchase of steps 3 and 4 above includes multiple licenses, then each computer of
intended use must repeat the steps above, WITHOUT steps 3 and 4.
THE PURCHASED REGISTRATION INCLUDES FREE UPGRADES UNTIL YOUR LICENSE EXPIRES.
03. Quick Start

TO GET HELP ON ANY PAGE OF THE PROGRAM: Press the F1 Function key
IN SUMMARY:
 Geotech Master™ receives INPUT on basic geotechnical information, such as borehole
logs and index testing.
 Geotech Master™ generates OUTPUT on the following:
 Coefficients of soil strength and stiffness.
 Recommendations for allowed bearing pressures and settlements of shallow
footings.
 Recommendations for allowed loads of piles and/or drilled shafts.
 Swelling Potential.
 Recommendations for minimum pressure of footings to resist swelling.
 Recommendations for minimum length of piles to resist uplift forces due to swelling.
 Capacity of sheet pile walls with and without anchors to retain soil.
 Factor of safety of cut or fill slopes.
You can get help on any page you are operating by pressing the F1 function button.
You can get information on the theoretical background on all calculations by choosing
from the menu: HELP|BASIS OF CALCULATIONS.
Geotech Master™ is expecting knowledge of some or all of the following

information:
DATA INPUT
1. Borehole data.
2. USCS classification.
3. Soil index testing data (soil gradation and Atterberg Limits).
4. Development of a basic soil profile using the above information. For example, Layer
1 from 0 to 7 ft. which is well-graded sand, with USCS classification SW, an SPT blow
count of 12, and water content of 6%.
5. It is preferable to have each layer defined by a constant SPT blowcount, or an

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average CPT tip resistance if such data is available.

6. The above information is entered in the first page, which is tabbed "Geotechnical
Data".
STRENGTH AND STIFFNESS OUTCOME

The strength parameters are produced in the "Strength Parameters" tab. The User is provided
with multiple options as to how the soil strength and stiffness parameters are produced.
The User can select the level of conservatism for the evaluation of the strength parameters. By
selecting first "Conservative", and then "Aggressive" the User can develop a sense of the
reasonable range of the strength parameters of the soil. The default option of Geotech
Master™ is "Average".
SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS BEARING CAPACITY

The shallow bearing capacity recommendations and footing settlements are produced in the
"Shallow Bearing Capacity" tab. The User is presented with options regarding the range of
depth of embedment of the footing, the range of footing width, the angle of load inclination,
the eccentricity of the load, and the shape of the footing. The allowed bearing pressure is
evaluated based on the desired factor of safety and the allowed footing settlement.
SPREAD FOOTING STRUCTURAL DESIGN

The structural design of footings follows the evaluation of the allowed bearing pressures in the
“Shallow Bearing Capacity” tab. All allowed bearing pressure solutions are presented in a grid,
which is located in the right side of the “Shallow Bearing Capacity” page. Right-clicking the
mouse on any spread footing solution presented in the grid, invokes the structural design
module.
PILE BEARING CAPACITY

The pile bearing capacity recommendations and load-deformation relations are produced in the
"Pile Bearing Capacity" tab. The User is presented with options regarding the range of depth of
embedment of the pile, the pile cross-sectional properties, the pile shape, material, and type
(driven vs drilled). The allowed bearing pressure is evaluated based on the required factor of
safety for tip resistance and the required factor of safety for side resistance. The option to use a
group of piles or drilled shafts is also available in the same page. After the group geometry is
defined, the software generates performance output for axial as well as transverse loads of the
group.
EXPANSIVE SOILS/SWELLING
The swelling recommendations are produced in the "Expansive Soil" tab. This tab produces
recommendations for the defined spread footings and pile foundations in the previous pages.

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For spread footings, the recommendation includes the minimum pressure, which is necessary
to resist the User-defined allowable heave. For pile foundations, the recommendation includes
the minimum length that is required by the pile to resist the uplift due to the soil heave.
FLEXIBLE WALLS
Evaluation of the ability of a selected sheet pile wall to retain a vertical excavation is produced
in the “Flexible Walls” tab. In this tab, the User defines the geometry of a sheet pile wall,
defines surface loads, selects a standard or custom sheet pile section, and examines the
stability of the selected wall. If stability cannot be satisfied, or if the deformations are excessive,
the User can select anchors and request a revised anchored design that meets the User-set
deflection criteria.
SLOPE STABILITY
The evaluation of the factor of safety of an excavated or built-up slope (cut or fill) is produced in
the “Slope Stability” tab. In this page, the User defines the geometry of the slope, the
properties of the fill materials, the phreatic surface, the surface loads, and the seismic loads,
and evaluates the factor of safety against slope collapse.
EXAMPLE FILES
Geotech Master™ comes with several example data files. Please follow the menu options:
File|Read Geotechnical Data and open one of the available data documents to demonstrate
the type of input that you typically need to provide to define the soil profile, and then examine
the output provided in the "Strength Parameters" and all other design tabs.
SAVING YOUR WORK

You can save the data that you have produced for future analysis. Please follow the menu
options File|Save Geotechnical Data. You may also save the Design Calculations of any page in
Microsoft Excel format (.CSV) for future data processing and graphing.
SOFTWARE APPEARANCE
Geotech Master™ comes in a multitude of appearance options. Please follow the menu option
"Select Theme", and select among the available options. Some experimenting is necessary to
decide which look matches best your software appearance preferences.
04. Input of General Data

1. Input of the geotechnical data should begin by selecting the units (Traditional USA or
Metric).
2. If Standard Penetration Test (SPT) data is available, then the "SPT Data Available" box
must be checked. At that time, the User is prompted to provide information as

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described in the section of SPT Data.

3. If Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data is available, then the "CPT Data Available" box must
be checked. No additional prompts follow until the grid box under the “CPT Resistance”
label is clicked to provide CPT data for a specific layer. The CPT information that can be
provided for each layer is described in the CPT Data section.
4. If information of the water table depth is available, the "Water Table Defined" box,
located at the top left part of the interface window, must be checked. This activates the
"Water Table Depth" edit box, where the depth of the water table may be specified.
5. Next, based on the borehole logs or any other information that may be available, the
number of layers can be defined by the User.
6. It is highly recommended that layers be defined at a minimum of one layer per SPT data.
7. Each layer is defined by its "Start Depth" and "End Depth". It is preferable that the
geometry of each layer (start and end depths) place the SPT data close to the middle of
the layer thickness. However, defining each layer to have the SPT data at the layer
bottom is also acceptable. A layer should also be defined in a way that it can have a
unique USCS designation (e.g. Sand, SW).
8. The geotechnical information for each layer is provided in the grid under the tab
“Geotechnical Data”, which is the default page when Geotech Master™ starts. A brief
description for each column is explained in the Section “Geotechnical Data Page”, which
follows.

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05. Geotechnical Data Page

For each layer, all or parts of the following information may be provided:
1. Start Depth: The borehole depth of the top boundary of the specific layer.
2. End Depth: The borehole depth of the bottom boundary of the specific layer. This
automatically becomes the “Start Depth” of the next layer.
3. Thickness: This is the thickness of the layer. It is automatically calculated based on
the start and end depths of the layer.
4. Soil Type: This is the type of soil material. It is
typically provided in the borehole log, but it is
often identified more precisely after soil index
testing (sieve analysis and Atterberg limits).
For example, SANDY CLAY. The soil type is
selected from a drop-down list (Figure 1) after
clicking with your mouse on the grid box of
the “Soil Type” of the layer.
5. USCS Classification: This is also the typical
outcome of the index test report. The USCS
Classification is also selected from a specific
list from a drop-down list (see Figure 1).
6. Dry Unit Weight: This is occasionally
available for the natural state of the material
and it is based on testing of undisturbed
samples. Please use if provided. Otherwise,
leave blank, and Geotech Master™ will
evaluate it for you. Typical values are provided
in Figure 2.
7. SPT Blow-counts: Often provided periodically
every 5 ft. (or 1.5 m) of depth of the logged
borehole. If provided as ONE NUMBER, then
input this number in the spreadsheet. If
provided as THREE NUMBERS (e.g. 7-11-12),
then provide the sum of the last two numbers
(in the previous example, provide 11+12=23).
If the "SPT Data Available" box is not already Figure 1: Material Selection
checked, it will be automatically checked after
you provide the first blowcount information, and then you will be prompted to
provide the type of SPT information as described in the geotechnical report.
8. Density/Stiffness: Density (for granular materials) or Stiffness (for fine materials) is
automatically selected based on the SPT blow count. However, this selection can be
changed by the User from a drop list by clicking the mouse pointer on the grid box of

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item that the User wishes to change. The options for granular materials are (VERY
LOOSE, LOOSE, MEDIUM DENSE, DENSE, and VERY DENSE). The options for fine
materials are (VERY SOFT, SOFT, FIRM, STIFF, VERY STIFF, HARD).
Figure 2: Typical dry unit weights of soils
9. CPT Resistance: If the "CPT Data Available" box is checked, then, clicking the mouse
pointer on the grid box "CPT Data" brings up a dialog window (Figure 3), which
requests input on all or part of the following information: a) Tip resistance, b) Side
friction, c) Tip water pressure, and d) Side water pressure. Leave as zero "0" any
quantity for which you do not have available information.

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Figure 3: CPT Data Interface per layer

10. W: Water content in % : This is typically obtained as part of the soil index testing.
For example, a value of 45 means that the water content (mass of water/mass of
solids) is 45% or 0.45. Please reference the highlighted comment after item #12
below.
11. PI: Plasticity index in %: This is also obtained as part of the soil index testing (ASTM
D4318-Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of
Soils). As in the case of Water Content, please provide PI in % (for example 35, rather
than 0.35).
12. LL: Liquid limit in %: This is also obtained as part of the soil index testing (ASTM
D4318-Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of
Soils). As in the case of Water Content, please provide LL in % (for example, 55 rather
than 0.55).
NOTE: The information for water content, PI, and LL may not be available for
each layer. In this case the user has the following options:
A) Leave this field blank. In this case, Geotech Master™ will make a
reasonable estimate on the water content W, and will disregard PI and
LL. The disadvantage of this method is that empirical approaches based
on PI and LL will not be used.
B) Make interpolations based on the values provided on the layers above or
below, if the materials and circumstances are similar.

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13. Data Comp.: This is the calculated level of compatibility of SPT blowcounts, W, PI,
and LL. In the current implementation, compatibility of data is examined only for
fine-grained soils, such as silts and clays, because these are the materials for which
Atterberg Limits (PI, LL) are expected to be evaluated.
Other than potentially the Atterberg limits, it may be preferable to avoid estimating the data
values on the above prompts, unless you have some evidence or previous experience to justify
such input. If any item (1-12 above) is not known, please leave blank. HOWEVER, you MUST
provide the layer geometry (start and end depths).
Upon completion of the Geotechnical Data Input, select the “Strength Parameters” tab.
05.1. SPT Information
When selecting “SPT Data Available”, the SPT Data Window opens and provides the use with
the following SPT data options:
 Uncorrected values: N.
 Corrected values: N_60.
 Corrected values for depth: N1_60.
CASE 1: Uncorrected value N: The SPT data are expected to be obtained based on ASTM
standard D1586. However, variations of the energy efficiency, the diameter of the borehole,
the sampling method, and the rod length are possible. Under such conditions, a specific
blowcount (e.g. 25 blows per foot of penetration) does not represent a repeatable process.
Thus, a number of corrections are required. Geotech Master™ by Q-Systems Engineering LLC
provides recommendations for correction of each case. However, the Users may also provide
their own correction factor, based on their own experiences.
CASE 2: Corrected Value N_60: This implies that the data provided has already been
standardized to the 60% efficiency (and all the other corrections described above). Thus, no
additional corrections are needed (other than potentially a depth correction as described next).
CASE 3: Corrected value for depth N1_60: The blowcount of a soil is directly, or
indirectly, related to its stiffness and strength. However, 15 blow-counts per foot at a depth of
3 feet below the ground surface is not the same as 15 blow-counts per foot at a depth of 40
feet. Clearly, the soil at the depth of 40 feet is more confined by the overburden pressure, and,
if it demonstrates the same resistance of the relatively unconfined soil at the depth of 3 feet,

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then it is not equally strong. The corrected value of N_60, accounting for the depth of position,
is N1_60. If the value provided by the Geotechnical Engineer has already been corrected for
depth, then select this option. It should be noted that corrections for depth are rarely included
in borehole data logs.
Most available empirical correlations between resistance of penetration in blow-counts per

foot and soil strength are either associated to N_60, or to N1_60.
05.2. CPT Information
For each layer that Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT) data are
available, provide all or part of the following information:
1. Tip resistance qc (default units in tsf - tons per square

foot).
2. Side friction qs (default units in tsf - tons per square foot).
3. Tip water pressure u1 or u2 - see Figure 4 for location of u1
and u2 (default units in psi - pounds per square inch).
4. Side water pressure u3 - see Figure 4 for location of u3
(default units in psi - pounds per square inch).
Figure 4: CPT graphic with

porous stone locations
06. Strength Parameters Page
06.1. General
After all available geotechnical data has been input into the “Geotechnical Data” tab, select the
“Strength Parameters” tab to see the strength recommendations by the Geotech Master™
software.
The strength calculations provided in this page are by default based on the following:
A. Level of conservatism: AVERAGE (see top of the Strength Parameters Page - Left side
for granular materials, Right side for fine-grained materials). Options of

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CONSERVATIVE and AGGRESSIVE are also available.

B. Strength Basis: Strength parameters may be based on SPT data, or CPT data if
available. Other options for fine-grained materials such as Plasticity Index and
Liquidity Index are also available.
C. Based on the assumption of DRAINED conditions for GRANULAR materials.
D. Based on the assumption of UNDRAINED conditions for FINE-GRAINED materials.
The User may wish to select DRAINED conditions for the layers that are composed of
fine-grained materials (silt or clay), based on the material type designation or the USCS
classification (first letter starts with C or M), if the layer is expected to always be above the
water horizon, or to compare slow failure behavior (drained) versus rapid failure behavior
(undrained).
06.2. Outcome
The available columns in the grid of the “Strength Parameters” page are as follows:
1. DRAINAGE CONDITIONS: Should be addressed as discussed above. You can toggle
drained and undrained behavior by clicking the mouse on the specific spreadsheet cell.
Undrained conditions for coarse-grained materials (gravels and sands) under static loads
may not be realistic.
2. N_60: SPT blowcount after it has been corrected for energy efficiency and other effects
as described in the SPT Information section.
3. UNIT WEIGHT: Evaluated based on available information on soil type, SPT resistance,
water content, dry unit weight (if available), etc. The unit weight magnitude presented
here is always effective. Thus, it is buoyant if the layer is below the water horizon.
4. AVERAGE OVERBURDEN: This is the overburden pressure evaluated at the mid-depth of
each layer.
5. N1_60: The standard penetration value N_60, corrected for depth of embedment.
6. COHESION: The material cohesion. It is assumed to be zero for drained conditions, and
equal to the undrained shear strength, 𝑆𝑢 , for undrained conditions. The User can
change the recommended magnitude manually by selecting the "Input Data" option for
the granular or fine material, as applicable.
7. FRICTION ANGLE: The material internal friction angle. It is assumed to be zero for
undrained conditions. The User can change the recommended magnitude manually by
selecting the "Input Data" option for the granular or fine material, as applicable.
8. OCR: This is the Overconsolidation Ratio (defined here only for fine-grained materials).
OCR is defined as the ratio of the highest overburden stress experienced divided by the
current overburden stress. A soil which is currently experiencing its highest overburden
stress is normally consolidated with an OCR=1.
9. Cc: Compression Index, defined as the slope of the void ratio change versus the
logarithmic change of overburden pressure of soils experiencing their highest
overburden pressure (OCR=1). The transition stress between the rebound or

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recompression curve and the virgin compression curve (OCR=1) is known as the soil
preconsolidation stress.
10. Cr: Recompression Index, is defined as the slope of the void ratio change versus the
logarithmic change of overburden pressure of soils experiencing overburden pressures
that are smaller than their precompression stress (OCR>1).
06.3. Methods of Evaluation

The material parameters for granular materials (first letter in their USCS classification S or G)
are based on SPT data, CPT data, or direct User input.
The material parameters for fine materials (first letter in their USCS classification M or C) are
based on SPT or CPT data for drained conditions. For undrained conditions, they are based on
SPT data, CPT data, Plasticity index (PI), Liquidity Index (LI), or direct User input.
In general, the User input in this page is:

1. Level of conservatism. This is a very important decision, and should be based on the
level of confidence that the engineer has on the quality of sampling and testing, as
well as prior experience with the soils and the construction site.
2. Methods of calculation of the strength parameters (SPT, CPT, PI, etc.).
3. Selection of drained or undrained analysis of a specific layer (undrained analysis only
for fine materials - clays or silts).
Change any recommended values (if desired) based on personal experiences with the specific
material or actual strength test data.
07. Shallow Bearing Capacity Page
07.1. Design Data and Outcome

The bearing capacity recommendations are provided in this page in graphical form, as well as a
grid of values based on the following criteria:
1. Range of depth of embedment defined by the minimum and maximum depth of
embedment input. It is common, although not always necessary, to define the
minimum depth of embedment as the frost depth of the area.
2. Range of footing widths of interest defined by the minimum and maximum footing
width of interest. For rectangular footings, width is the smaller of the two dimensions.
3. Angle of load inclination (in degrees), defined as the ArcTan(H/P), where H is the
horizontal load transferred to the footing base and P is the vertical load transferred to
the footing base.
4. Load eccentricity, defined as the ratio of M/P, where M is the overturning moment
transferred to the footing base, and P is the vertical load transferred to the footing

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base.
5. Shape of the footing: Square, Rectangular, or Long Footing. If rectangular footing is
selected, then the ratio L/B must also be provided, where B is the width of the footing
and L is the length of the footing. L/B ratio cannot be less than 1.
6. Factor of safety: It is common to assume a factor of safety of 3 for shallow
foundations. However, in non-critical foundations where differential and total
settlements are not a significant concern, factors of safety as low as 2 may be
appropriate. Similarly, in critical foundations, with small settlement tolerance, or on
soils of questionable properties, or low stiffness, factors of safety higher than 3 may
be preferable.
7. Maximum Allowed Settlement: Structural operational restrictions may limit the
magnitude of acceptable settlement. If the maximum allowed settlement is defined
for the foundations by setting its magnitude in the “Max Allowed Settlement” edit
box, then, the allowed bearing pressure is evaluated to satisfy both the required factor
of safety and the maximum allowed settlement.
When any of the input above changes, a button labeled "UPDATE DESIGN" appears on the top
right panel. The User must press this button to update the graph and the grid of evaluated
data to the updated input. The "UPDATE DESIGN" button is hidden when the bearing capacity
calculations are updated.
Checking the "SHOW BEARING LOAD" box, will present the total allowed footing loads (force
units) rather than the allowed bearing pressures.
Checking the "Full Overburden Applicable" box will evaluate the allowed bearing pressure for a
footing at a specific depth of embedment with full backfill overburden pressure. Unchecking
this box, allows the User to define the actual thickness of the backfill. For example, setting the
backfill equal to the footing thickness is the common case of a footing in an underground
garage or basement, which has not been backfilled. Press the button with the Question Mark
(?) to see a visual illustration of this concept.
07.2. Design Hints

1. For the same footing width, a longer footing has a smaller allowable pressure. Thus, a
square footing has a larger allowable pressure than a rectangular footing. However, a
rectangular footing with the same width can carry a larger total load since it has a bigger
footprint area.
2. When the footing width increases, the allowable pressure may increase or decrease. A
larger footing engages deeper layers, which may be weaker or stronger, thus influencing
adversely or favorably the allowed bearing pressure. The total bearing load, however,
typically increases as the footing size increases because of the larger footing area.
3. Larger footings have larger settlements for the same bearing pressure when compared

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to smaller footings because they engage deeper soil layers, which compress, and
contribute to increased settlements.
07.3. Saving shallow bearing capacity results

 The Users can save the allowable bearing pressure calculations in MS Excel format (CSV)
for archiving, printing, as well as data processing, such as graphing in a format that is
compatible to their report appearance.
 To do this, select the menu options File|Save Bearing Capacity Calcs OR click the “SAVE
OUTCOME” button in the “Shallow Bearing Capacity” page.
08. Structural Design of Footings
This window provides recommendations for the structural design of a footing that was selected
in the “Shallow Bearing Capacity” tab.
08.1. Grid and Graphics

Note that the grid of results (bottom right) and the graphic of footing reinforcement are
synchronized. Use your mouse to click on any reinforcement solution on the grid. The graphic
will automatically be updated to show the selected reinforcement design.
Note the graphic controls, which reside above the graphic of the footing.
 Click and hold any of the first four buttons to rotate the footing image as indicated by
the button. Release when desired rotation is achieved.
 The zooming functions are controlled by the “Zoom In” and “Zoom Out” buttons OR by
rotating the mouse wheel.
 A three dimensional image of the footing is provided by clicking the “ISO” button.
 A plan view image of the footing is provided by clicking the “PLAN VIEW” button.
08.2. Default Values

The structural design window opens with the following DEFAULT VALUES for the footing:
COLUMN LOAD, MATERIAL, AND GEOMETRY

1. The column load is assumed to carry a factored load equal to the allowed footing load

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multiplied by a factor of 1.4 (average of the dead load factor of 1.2, and live load
factor of 1.6, as per ACI 318-11).
2. The column is assumed to be made of concrete with nominal strength fc'=4000 psi (30
MPa if the active units are metric).
3. The column is assumed to be square with a minimum width of 8 inches or 200 mm. Its
size is evaluated based on its assumed factored load.
FOOTING MATERIAL PROPERTIES

1. Concrete Strength fc' = 4000 psi or 30 MPa (depending on the active units).
2. Reinforcing Steel Yield Strength Fy = 60000 psi or 400 MPa.
FOOTING GEOMETRY AND PRESSURE

1. The footing geometry (width in the X and Y directions) is as defined in the “Shallow
Bearing Capacity” page, and cannot be changed in this window. Please close the
structural design window and select the desired footing if you wish to design a
different footing geometry.
2. The footing factored load is evaluated based on the allowed footing load multiplied by
a factor of 1.4 (average of the dead load factor of 1.2 and live load factor of 1.6 as per
ACI 318-11).
3. The footing eccentricity is defined in the “Shallow Bearing Capacity” page and cannot
be changed in this window. Please close the structural design window and select the
desired footing eccentricity if you wish to design for a different footing load
eccentrictiy.
4. Footing thickness is evaluated based on the shear capacity of the footing (1-way and
2-way shear failure).
CODE SELECTION
The User has the option to select ACI 318-11, ACI 318-14, or Eurocode 2 (UK Annex). The ACI
318-11 and ACI-318-14 result in the same design. ACI 318-11 is the default option when
Traditional USA units are used, while the Eurocode2 (UK Annex) is the default option when
metric units are used.
08.3. Data That Can Be Adjusted By the User

The following data can be adjusted by the Users to represent more accurately their project
parameters:
1. Concrete Strength fc'.
2. Steel Yield Strength Fy.
3. Column width in the X direction.
4. Column width in the Y direction.
5. Dead/Permanent Load: Use the correct unfactored magnitude.

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6. Live/Variable Load: Use the correct unfactored magnitude.

5. Footing Factored Load: The footing factored load is automatically evaluated as
Pu=1.2D+1.6L (ACI 318-11) or Pu=1.35Gk+1.5Qk (Eurocode 2).
6. Footing Thickness: The User can adjust the footing thickness. To use anything but the
minimum required, the User must uncheck the "Use Min Required" check box. Note,
however, that if the User-defined thickness violates the shear strength requirement,
the software will automatically increase the thickness to meet that requirement.
7. If Metric Units are used, the User will see under the "DESIGN OF REINFORCEMENT"
label, a choice of European vs Canadian reinforcement specifications is provided. By
default, the European reinforcing bars are selected.
08.4. Output - Design Options

Multiple design recommendations are produced based on the data provided by the User. The
design recommendations are based on the selected reinforcement.
Under the label "DESIGN OF REINFORCEMENT", a grid of recommendations is produced as

follows:
#: Reinforcing bar nominal size. For example #6 in Traditional USA, #15M in Canadian metric
or #14 in European metric.
DIAM: The actual diameter of the reinforcing bar.
Cover of Y bars: The estimated clear cover of the bars in the Y direction. This is based on
the code-mandated clear cover and the size of the reinforcing bar. The lower bars of the
reinforcing grid have a cover equal to 3 in or 75 mm. The upper bars of the reinforcing grid
have a clear cover of 3 in. or 75 mm PLUS one bar diameter.
Spacing of Y bars: The required spacing of the bars in the Y direction to meet the required
steel content. If the required reinforcing bars are controlled by code-mandated minimum
steel content or maximum bar spacing, the spacing value is highlighted with a yellow
background.
Cover of X bars: The estimated clear cover of the bars in the X direction. This is based on
the code-mandated clear cover and the size of the reinforcing bar. The lower bars of the
reinforcing grid have a cover equal to 3 in or 75 mm. The upper bars of the reinforcing grid
have a clear cover of 3 in. or 75 mm PLUS one bar diameter.
Spacing of X bars: The required spacing of the bars in the X direction to meet the required
steel content. If the required reinforcing bars are controlled by code-mandated minimum
steel content or maximum bar spacing, the spacing value is highlighted with a yellow
background.
08.5. Save Output

To save the structural design of the selected spread footing in a CSV format that can be viewed
and manipulated by spreadsheet programs such as MSExcel, use the Menu Option File|Save

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Structural Design of Footing, OR click the SAVE SELECTED STRUCTURAL DESIGN button.
09. Capacity of Piles and Drilled Shafts
09.1. Axial Loading of SINGLE Piles
09.1.1. Design Data

The bearing capacity recommendations for axially loaded piles and drilled shafts are provided in
this page in graphical as well as grid form based on the following criteria:
1. Pile Shape: Cylindrical, Square, Pipe, PH, and Other. "Other" implies any shape other
than the above. In this case, we have no known rules of defining the cross-sectional
geometry relations, and all cross-sectional properties must be defined by the User.
2. Pile Material: Steel, Concrete, Timber.
3. Pile Type: Driven or Drilled shaft.
4. Range of pile lengths (i.e. range of depth of embedment of the pile): Defined by the
minimum and maximum depth of embedment (=pile length) input.
5. Pile or drilled shaft width: For cylindrical piles and drilled shafts, this is the diameter.
For pipes, this is the outer diameter. For HP piles, it is the flange width and is
automatically defined when the HP pile specification is selected.
6. Pile wall thickness: This is only meaningful if the pile shape is that of a pipe.
7. Pile perimeter: This is calculated in all cases but the pile shape "Other". For pipes, it is
calculated as the perimeter associated to the outer diameter.
8. Pile cross-sectional area: This is calculated for all cases but the pile shape "Other",
where it is expected to be an input by the User. This represents the cross-sectional
area for any section other than the tip, which may be different.
9. Pile tip cross-sectional area: This is calculated for all cases but the "Other". It can be
overridden by the User for drilled shafts or piles, which may have an expanded tip. For
the case of pipes and HP-piles, the pile tip may be evaluated differently depending on
whether the tip is plugged or not. Please read the "Basis of Calculations" document
for a complete explanation as to how this is decided.
10. HP pile specification: The HP pile specification (e.g. HP18x157 for traditional USA or
HP460x234 for Metric) of the selected pile.
11. Tip resistance factor of safety (by default 3), and side resistance factor of safety (by
default 3). Note that the side resistance is mobilized at smaller deformations
compared to tip resistance. Thus, when the side resistance is fully mobilized, the tip
resistance is only partially mobilized. As a result, in most cases, it is recommended that
the tip resistance be evaluated based on a larger factor of safety.
When the input of the above changes, a button labeled "UPDATE DESIGN" appears on the top

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right panel. The User must press this button to recalculate the pile capacity based on the new
data.
To see the evaluated capacity of the axially loaded piles under consideration, please make
certain that the "Axially Loaded Piles" tab above the grid of data is selected.
The calculated design includes the following information:

1. Pile Length.
2. Ultimate tip resistance (unfactored).
3. Ultimate side resistance (unfactored).
4. Allowable load (based on selected factors of safety).
5. Information as to whether the calculations are based on plugged tip or unplugged tip.
The above calculations are performed for the pile that corresponds to the largest selected
depth of embedment and additional piles with depth of embedment that is reduced 1 ft. or 30
cm at a time.
Two plots are also presented:

1. The plot of allowed bearing capacity vs pile length.
2. A plot of load vs settlement of the pile top for the selected pile in the grid (left click the
mouse on the pile length of interest, in the grid of axially loaded piles).
To see the numerical values represented by a specific point on the graph, just move your mouse
to that point. Make certain that the "Trace Graphs" box is checked.
09.1.2. Instructions for Efficient Use of the Plots

Tracing the graphs: To trace the graphs do the following:
a. Make certain that the "Trace Graphs" box is checked.
b. Move the mouse over the graph and close to the presented curves.
c. A small window appears next to the mouse pointer with the coordinates of the point.
If the mouse is over the ALLOWED LOAD graph, the coordinates are Pile Length and
Allowed Pile Load. If the mouse is over the LOAD-DEFORMATION graph, the
coordinates are Pile Settlement and Developed Load.
Zooming into the graphs: To zoom into a graph:

a. Pick the top left point of the zoom window of interest.
b. Drag the mouse to the bottom right point of the zoom area of interest.
c. Release the mouse.
To zoom out:
a. Drag the mouse from any point moving up and to the left.

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b. Release the mouse.
09.1.3. Design Hints

1. Using a very large factor of safety (for example, 1000) for the side resistance, results in
an end bearing pile.
2. Using a very large factor of safety (for example, 1000) of the tip resistance, result in a
floating pile.
09.1.4. Saving Axial Pile Bearing Capacity Calculations

1. The Users can save the axial pile bearing capacity calculations in MS Excel format (CSV) for
archiving, printing, as well as graphing in a format that is compatible to their report
appearance.
2. To do this, select the menu options File|Save Axial Pile Bearing Capacity Calcs OR click the
“SAVE OUTCOME” button in the “Pile Capacity” page, select “Save Axial Pile Bearing
Capacity Calcs” and click “OK.”
09.1.5. Saving Axial Piles Load-Deformation Calculations

1. The Users can save the axial piles load-deformation calculations in MS Excel format (CSV)
for archiving, printing, as well as graphing in a format that is compatible to their report
appearance.
2. To do this, select the menu options File|Save Axial Piles Load-Deformation OR click the
“SAVE OUTCOME” button in the “Pile Capacity” page, select “Save Axial Piles
Load-Deformation” and click “OK.”
09.2. Transverse Loading of SINGLE Piles
09.2.1. Design Data

The response to lateral (transverse) loads of any of the piles considered above can be obtained
as follows:
Select the "Laterally Loaded Piles" tab above the spreadsheet of data.
1. Provide the proper strength of steel (for steel piles), concrete (for concrete piles), or
timber (for timber piles) in psi or MPa units.
2. Find the box with the title: “LOADS OF SINGLE PILE”.
3. Define to pile top (ground level) axial load (in kips or kN), lateral load (in kips or kN)
and bending moment (in k-ft. or kNm).
4. The axial load is positive in compression. The lateral load is positive if oriented to the
right. The bending moment is positive if it is counterclockwise.
5. If the rotation of the pile top is restricted (unusual for single pile or drilled shaft) then

February 4, 2018
check the "Top of Pile Fixed to Rotation" check box. Otherwise (more common case)
leave it unchecked.
When the input of the above changes, a button labeled "UPDATE DESIGN" appears on
the top right panel. The User must press this button to recalculate the pile capacity
based on the new data. The updated design is automatically calculated when the "Top
of Pile Fixed to Rotation" box is checked or unchecked.
A graph is presented, which, based on the selection options listed above the graph, presents
one of the following diagram choices:
 Pile Deflection Diagram.
 Shear Force Diagram.
 Bending Moment Diagram.
 Soil Pressure Diagram.
By default, the graph presents the diagram of the longest pile in the range of piles under
consideration.
To see the diagrams of any of the other piles, Left-Click with your mouse the desired pile in the
grid to the right of the graph, under the title “SELECT PILE”.
The numerical magnitudes for 31 equally spaced points for the selected pile are presented in
the spreadsheet to the right of the “SELECT PILE” grid.
09.2.2. Instructions for Efficient Use of the Plot

Tracing the graph: To trace the graphs do the following:
b. Move the mouse over the graph and close to the presented curve.
c. A small window appears next to the mouse pointer with the coordinates of the point,
which are the selected pile intensity (deflection, shear force, bending moment, or soil
pressure), and the pile depth to which this intensity corresponds. For example: Pile
Deflection 0.35 in., Depth 3.1 ft.

a. Pick the top left point of the zoom area of interest.
To zoom out:

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09.2.3. Design Hint

Consider the deflection shape of a 35 ft. pile shown in Figure 5A. Note that the pile is practically
undeformed at its bottom 10 ft. It can be concluded that this part of the pile is not necessary
for its stability. This is demonstrated clearly by the solution presented in Figure 5B, which is the
deflection of a 25 ft. pile with the same load.
Figure 5: Demonstration of unnecessary pile length
09.2.4. Saving Current Transverse Pile Calculations

 Under the tab "Laterally Loaded Piles", the Users can select a pile by clicking at the
desired PILE LENGTH, under the SELECT PILE label. The Users can then save the solution
of the selected pile (deflection, shear, bending and pressure diagrams) in MS Excel
format (CSV) for archiving, printing, as well as graphing in a format that is compatible to
their report appearance.
 To do this, select the menu options File|Save Current Transverse Pile OR click the
“SAVE OUTCOME” button in the Pile Capacity Page, select Save Current Transverse Pile
and click “OK”.
09.3. Axial and Lateral Loading of Pile GROUPS
09.3.1. Design Data

The bearing capacity recommendations for axially loaded pile groups and drilled shaft groups
are provided in this page in graphical as well as grid form based on the following criteria:
SELECT THE BASIC PILE CHARACTERISTICS AS YOU DID FOR SINGLE PILES:

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1. Pile Shape: Cylindrical, Square, Pipe, HP, and Other. "Other" implies any shape other
than the above. In this case, we have no known rules of defining the cross-sectional
geometry relations, and all cross-sectional properties must be defined.
2. Pile Material: Steel, Concrete, Timber.
3. Pile Type: Driven or Drilled shaft.
4. Range of depth of embedment of the pile (i.e. range of pile lengths within the soil):
Defined by the minimum and maximum depth of embedment input.
5. Pile or drilled shaft width: For cylindrical piles and drilled shafts, this is the diameter.
For pipes, this is the outer diameter. For HP piles, it is the flange width and is
automatically defined when the HP pile specification is selected.
6. Pile wall thickness: This is only meaningful if the pile shape is that of a pipe.
7. Pile perimeter: This is calculated in all cases but for the pile shape "Other". For pipes,
it is calculated as the perimeter associated to the outer diameter.
8. Pile cross-sectional area: This is calculated for all cases but for the pile shape
"Other", where it is expected to be an input. This represents the cross-sectional area
for any section other than the tip, which may be different.
9. Pile tip cross-sectional area: This is calculated for all cases but the "Other". It can be
overridden for drilled shafts, which may have an expanded tip. For the case of pipes
and HP-piles, the pile tip may be evaluated differently depending on whether the tip
is plugged or not. Please read the "Basis of Calculations" document for a complete
explanation as to how this is decided.
10. HP pile specification: The HP pile specification (e.g. HP18x157 for traditional USA or
HP460x234 for Metric) of the selected pile.
11. Tip resistance factor of safety (by default 3), and side resistance factor of safety (by
default 3). Note that the side resistance is mobilized at smaller deformations
compared to tip resistance. Thus, when the side resistance is fully mobilized, the tip
resistance is only partially mobilized. As a result, in most cases, it is recommended
that the tip resistance be evaluated based on a larger factor of safety.
12. If the "Solve for Pile Group" box is not checked, please check it. This will make
visible a button with the title "Define Pile Group".
13. Press the button "Define Pile Group". This will create a new window with the title
"Define Pile Group Geometry".
14. The number of piles/shafts in the y direction (Pile Rows) and the x direction (Pile
Columns) are defined. The graphic of the pile group is instantly updated in the plan
view drawing using proper scaling of the pile cap, the pile spacing, and the pile
dimensions.
15. The group is further defined based on one of the following two options: "DEFINE CAP
DIMENSIONS" or "DEFINE PILE SPACINGS".
16. If the “CAP DIMENSIONS” option is selected, the User defines the width and length of
the pile cap. The pile/shaft spacing is adjusted so that the piles/shafts are equidistant

February 4, 2018
with center-to-center spacings Sx and Sy in the x and y direction respectively, and

with distances Sx/2 and Sy/2 from the edges of the pile cap.
17. If the “PILE SPACING” option is selected, then the center-to-center spacings of the
piles/shafts Sx and Sy, in the x and y directions are specified and the cap is
appropriately spaced such that the centers of the piles/shafts are at distances Sx/2
and Sy/2 from the edges.
18. It is noted that the X and Y spacings are also presented as multiples of pile
width/diameter to help the designer's comprehension of anticipated inter-pile
interference.
19. NOTE: The size of the cap does not influence the solution. However, the dimensions
presented here are the recommended minimum, which, when combined with proper
steel reinforcement, help avoid edge cap failures.
20. In the box with title "LOADS OF PILE GROUP", define the loads of the pile group. This
includes the Group vertical load and the Group horizontal load.
21. Establish if the horizontal load is in the X or Y orientations. This is meaningful if the
number and spacing of piles/shafts differs in the X and Y directions, and/or if the piles
have different stiffness magnitudes in the X and Y directions, as in the case of H-piles.
22. The group may be loaded eccentrically either geometrically (constant Moment vs
Load ratio) or because of a constant moment. The type of eccentricity is defined in
the choices of the box "TYPE OF ECCENTRICITY" and is then quantified by placing
values to the eccentricity, or the moments.
23. If the piles/shafts are designed to be fixed against rotation into a stiff cap, then check
the "TOP OF THE PILE FIXED TO ROTATION" check box. NOTE: Fixation of the top of
the pile/shaft against rotation increases significantly the lateral load capacity of the
group and reduces the lateral deformations. However, this is done at the potentially
significant cost of a more massive cap and a heavily reinforced connection of the
pile/shaft at the cap.
24. Press the “AXIAL PILE GROUP CAPACITY” button to calculate the axial capacity of all
the pile group lengths defined by the pile length range.
25. Press the “LATERAL PILE GROUP CAPACITY” button to calculate the lateral load
response of all the pile group lengths defined by the pile length range.
26. Upon pressing the “AXIAL” or “LATERAL” capacity buttons, the “Define Pile Group
Geometry” window closes, and the Axial or Lateral (depending on which button was
pressed) pile/shaft group evaluations are presented.
09.4. Axially Loaded Group Evaluations

09.4.1. Design Outcome
If the “Axial BC” button is pressed, then the main window presents a graph of the Allowed Pile
Load.
The calculated design includes the following information:

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 Pile Length.
 Ultimate tip resistance (unfactored).
 Ultimate side resistance (unfactored).
 Allowable load (based on selected factors of safety).
 Information as to whether the calculations are based on plugged or unplugged pile.
The above calculations are performed for the pile that corresponds to the largest selected
depth of embedment and subsequent piles of depth of embedment that is reduced 1 ft., or 30
cm at a time.
The plot of allowed bearing capacity vs pile depth of embedment (=pile length) is updated for
the pile group.
To see the numerical values represented by a specific point, just move your mouse to that
point. Make certain that the "Trace Graphs" box is checked.
09.4.2. Instructions for Efficient Use of the Plots

Tracing the graphs: To trace the graphs do the following:
c. A small window appears next to the mouse pointer with the coordinates of the point.
If the mouse is over the ALLOWED LOAD graph, the coordinates are “Pile Length” and
“Allowed Pile Load”. If the mouse is over the LOAD-DEFORMATION graph, the
coordinates are “Pile Settlement” and “Developed Load”.

To zoom out:
09.4.3. Saving Axial Bearing Capacity Calculations of Pile Group

 The Users can save the axial bearing capacity calculations of a pile group in MS Excel
 To do this, select the menu options File|Axial Bearing Capacity of Pile Group OR click
the “SAVE OUTCOME” button in the “Pile Capacity” page, select “Save Axial Pile Bearing
Capacity of PILE GROUP” and click “OK.”

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09.4.4. Saving axial load-deformation calculations of pile group
 The Users can save the axial load-deformation calculations of pile group in MS Excel
 To do this, select the menu options File|Axial Load-Deformation of PILE GROUP OR click
the “SAVE OUTCOME” button in the “Pile Capacity” page, select “Axial
Load-Deformation of PILE GROUP” and click “OK”.
09.5. Laterally Loaded Group Evaluations

09.5.1. Design Outcome
If the “Lateral BC” button is pressed, then a graph is presented, which based on selection
(located right above the graph), presents one of the following:
 Pile Deflection Diagram.
 Shear Force Diagram.
 Bending Moment Diagram.
 Soil Pressure Diagram.
To see the diagrams of any group with piles of different length, left-click with your mouse the
desired pile in the spreadsheet to the right of the graph, under the title SELECT PILE GROUP.
The numerical magnitudes for 31 equally spaced points for the selected pile are presented in
the grid to the right of the SELECT PILE GROUP grid.
To see the numerical values represented by a specific point, just move your mouse to that
point. Make certain that the "Trace Graphs" box is checked.
It is noted that the graph presents the intensity values of up to 4 pile/shaft rows. This is
because the p-y curves vary. They are stiffer for the front row of piles/shafts, and gradually less
stiff as we move to the second, third, and fourth row. There is no change past that.
Whereas multiple intensities of piles/shafts are presented in the graph, depending on which
row they belong, you can only trace one intensity graph at a time using the mouse. You can
select which pile row to trace (Front Row, Second Row, etc.) by pressing the appropriate button
in the "Select Row of Piles to Show and Trace" box.

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09.5.2. Instructions for Efficient Use of the Plot

Tracing the graph: To trace the graphs do the following:
c. A small window appears next to the mouse pointer with the coordinates of the point,
which are the selected pile intensity (deflection, shear force, bending moment, or soil
pressure), and the specific point of the pile to which this intensity corresponds. For
example: Pile Deflection 0.35 in., Depth 3.1 ft.

To zoom out:
09.5.3. Design Hint

Two rows of four piles (8 piles total) are more efficient in resisting lateral loads than four rows
of two piles (8 piles total). This is because the shadowed pile rows have lower resistance.
09.5.4. Saving Current Transverse Pile Group Calculations

 Under the tab "Laterally Loaded Pile Group", the Users can select a pile by clicking at
the desired PILE LENGTH, under the “SELECT PILE GROUP” label. The Users can then
save the solution of the selected pile (deflection, shear, bending and pressure diagrams)
in MS Excel format (CSV) for archiving, printing, as well as graphing in a format that is
compatible to their report appearance.
 To do this, select the menu options File|Save Current Transverse PILE GROUP OR click
the “SAVE OUTCOME” button in the “Pile Capacity” page, select “Save Current
Transverse PILE GROUP” and click “OK”.

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10. Swelling Soils
This page provides recommendations for shallow and deep foundations to resist the effects of
swelling soils.
10.1. Required data:

 Active Depth: This is the depth, which is expected to have significant seasonal (or
otherwise) water content table, and as such may cause heave to an overlaying
foundation.
 Acceptable Swell: This is a User input representing the acceptable displacement of the
foundation. It is typically based on structural demands that establish what a tolerable
swell is.
 % of Pile Capacity Available: This is the User's estimation of the load, as a percent of the
recommended capacity, that is expected to be sustained on the pile. It should be the
anticipated percent of the unfactored dead load (permanent) compared to the
unfactored total load. The most conservative (although unrealistic) value by the User is
no load (0%).
10.2. Output
Geotech Master™ provides two grids of data output:
The grid on the left provides the following information for each defined layer:
1. OCR: Estimated overconsolidated ratio.
2. Cc: Estimated compression index.
3. Cr: Estimated recompression index.
4. eo: Estimated void ratio.
The grid on the right provides recommendations for the shallow and deep foundations that
were defined in the "Shallow Bearing Capacity" and "Pile Bearing Capacity" tabs.
NOTE: No recommendations are provided in the expansive soil page unless shallow and/or
deep foundations have been defined.
10.2.1. Shallow Foundations

The grid repeats the recommendations obtained in the "Shallow Bearing Capacity" page.

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For each foundation, the following information is provided:

 EMBEDMENT.
 FOOT WIDTH.
 ALLOWED PRESSURE.
 SETTLEMENT.
 SAFETY FACTOR.
The spreadsheet adds the following recommendations associated with potential heave:
 MINIMUM PRESSURE.
 FREE SWELL.
Where,
MINIMUM PRESSURE - Is the recommended minimum foundation pressure to meet the ACCEPTABLE
SWELL restriction provided by the User.
FREE SWELL - Is the estimation of soil swell under no foundation load based on the provided data
of the anticipated swell. It is reminded, that as opposed to the outcomes of computer
laboratory tests, Geotech Master™ accounts for the effects of soil self-weight.
10.2.2. Deep Foundations (Piles/Drilled Shafts)

The spreadsheet repeats the recommendations obtained in the "Pile Bearing Capacity" page.
For each foundation, the following information is provided:
 PILE LENGTH.
 ULT. TIP RESISTANCE.
 ULT. SIDE RESISTANCE.
 ALLOWED LOAD.
 PLUGGED/UNPLUGGED.
The spreadsheet adds the following recommendations associated with potential heave:
MINIMUM PILE LENGTH
where
MINIMUM PILE LENGTH - Is the recommended minimum pile length to resist pile pull-out due to
the heave of the active zone.

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11. Flexible Retaining Walls

This page provides recommendations for the design for sheet pile walls with or without
anchors.
11.1. REQUIRED DATA

11.1.1. Wall Geometry
 Depth of Top of Wall: This is the depth of the top of the wall with respect to the related
borehole top. Typically, this value is ZERO (0) unless the soil is scraped off from the top
of the retained side. For example: if the top of the wall is at the top elevation of the
borehole, then the Depth of Top of Wall is = 0. If the top of the wall is two feet below
the top of the borehole, then the Depth of Top of Wall = 2 ft.
 Retained Height H: This is the height of the retained earth (typically the depth of
vertical excavation), which is the distance from the top of the wall to the dredge line.
The figure in the “Flexible Walls” tab also shows the definition of H.
 Embedded Depth D: This is the length of the wall below the dredge line. Thus, the total
length of the retaining element (e.g. the sheet pile) is L = H+D.
 Upstream Water Table Depth Hwu: This is the depth of the water table measured from
the upstream ground surface. (See definition of Hwu in the figure of the page).
 Downstream Water Table Depth Hwd: This is the depth of the water table measured
from the downstream ground surface (See definition of Hwu in the figure of the page).
11.1.2. Loads
 Nr. of Distr. Loads: This defines the number of distributed loads that are placed on the
retained side of the wall. Once this number is defined, then an equal number of lines are
added to the grid underneath where each distributed load is defined as follows:
 A surface distributed load, which is defined by the following:
 q : Magnitude of surface pressure.
 B: Width of the surface pressure measured in the plane of the wall section. It is
reminded that this is a plane strain problem. As such, the formulation of the
problem assumes that the extent of the load perpendicular to the screen is
theoretically infinite.
 A: The distance of the starting position of the distributed surface pressure. A typical
surface load on the supported side of the wall is due to traffic. It is common to place
bollards at a distance of 5 to 10 feet from the edge of the wall for safety, thus
restricting access close to the edge of the wall.

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11.1.3. Steel Yield Strength

This is the strength of the steel used to form the sheet pile wall.
11.1.4. Select Sheet Pile

A drop down box is under this title that provides many standard sheets available in the United
States of America. The included piles are presented below:
Figure 6: List of commercially available sheet piles
Two additional options are presented:

 A STIFF sheet pile, with very large moment of inertia, which deforms without
appreciable flexure and, in essence, represents the upper boundary of resistance with
the smallest deformations at the top of the wall.
 A CUSTOM sheet pile, which allows the use of a sheet pile which is not included in the
commercial list. In this case, the User must provide the moment of inertia and the
section modulus per unit length of the wall.
11.1.5. Anchors
Anchors can be added to enable or enhance the ability of sheet pile wall to retain a specific
vertical excavation depth. To use anchors:
1. Check the "Use Anchors as needed" box under the label "ANCHORS OF FIXED FORCE".
2. Define the Prestress Anchor Force. This is the intended prestressing of the anchor.
3. Define the Min Anchor Angle α. This is the slope of the anchor installation, as defined in the
Figure of the “Flexible Walls” tab.
4. Define the Horizontal Anchor Spacing. This is the horizontal spacing or distance between
anchors, which are placed at the same depth of the excavation, and are often connected
with walers.
5. Define the Max Desired Wall Deflection. This is the maximum outward deflection that the

February 4, 2018
User allows for any part of the wall above the dredge line.
6. Define the Anchor Diameter. This is the diameter of the anchor bar or cable. Larger anchor
diameters result in stiffer reactions, that is, larger reactions with smaller deformations.
7. Define the Anchor Length. This is the length of the anchor. Commonly, the anchor length is
selected as a) 15 ft. (4.6 m) or b) the distance from the face of the wall to the theoretical
failure plane plus 0.2H, whichever is greater.
11.2. Output
Upon selection of the sheet pile, the button “DESIGN WALL” becomes visible and active.
Pressing this button produces a design based on selected data (with OR without anchors
depending on whether the "Use Anchors as needed" check box is checked).
11.2.1. Without Anchors

If a solution is possible (i.e. if the wall can support the required retained height with the defined
embedment depth), then the deflected shape of the wall becomes available as a graph at the
lower left part of the page. The User has the option of plotting the Deflected shape, the Shear
Force diagram, the Bending Moment diagram, or the Soil Pressure diagram, by clicking on the
appropriate selection above the graph.
If the selected pile shape is capable of carrying the load, the grid describing the sheet
properties appears with a white background and black digits. If, however, the selected pile
shape is NOT capable to carry the load, the grid describing the sheet properties appears with a
yellow background and red digits. An alternative solution must then be pursued which requires
a stronger sheet (larger section modulus), the use of anchors, or a combination of both.
11.2.2. With Anchors

A successful run, when the “Anchors of Fixed Force” box is checked, results in an automated
selection of anchors that have the same prestressing force, and are equally spaced along the
length of the retained height of the wall. The number of anchors is selected through an iterative
process aiming to meet the required maximum wall deflection for the part of the wall that is
above the dredge line. The number of anchors is evaluated iteratively to meet the requirement
of maximum wall deflection.
The list of the selected anchors is presented in a window that is generated as soon as the
solution has been produced.
The User can edit the list of anchors by changing selectively, as desired, the values of
diameter, length, angle, force, depth, and horizontal spacing of the anchors. At this point,
the values of diameter, length, angle, force, or horizontal spacing no longer need to be uniform.
The displacements and final force, which are listed in the “Wall Anchors” window, are

February 4, 2018
calculated. That is, they are part of the solution and are not input.
The User can also add an anchor by selecting a line of the list and then pressing the "Insert
Anchor Below", which will duplicate the selected anchor. At this point, the User can edit the
values to their desired magnitude.
The User can also delete an anchor by selecting a line of the list and then pressing the "Delete
Selected Anchor" button.
Once the values are edited to their desired magnitudes, the User can press the "ReEvaluate"
button to produce the new outcome.
11.2.3. Evaluating the Factor of Safety

The sheet pile selection and performance, as described above, is evaluated without introducing
a geotechnical factor of safety, even though the capacity of the sheet pile element to carry the
loads is based on a factor of safety (=1.5 by default).
When a sheet pile wall is examined without anchors, a solution is obtained which provides the
deflections, as well as the shear force and bending moment diagrams of the sheet pile wall
elements. When anchors are introduced, a solution is obtained which satisfies the stated
maximum allowable pile deflection. All solutions, described above, are based on performance
or serviceability criteria. Whereas this is the proper design, it is important to evaluate the factor
of safety under which the proposed design operates.
Upon completion of the wall analysis, which is performed by pressing the "DESIGN WALL"
button, a panel becomes available, which includes a button with the title "EVALUATED FACTOR
OF SAFETY", and a data box, which defines what deformation of the pile defines FAILURE, which
by default is 40 inches or approximately 1000 mm. The User can change this value to the
deflection that he/she may consider as collapse.
Geotech Master™ determines the failure of the sheet pile wall by defining the ultimate passive
resistance of every point as Kp/FS, where Kp is the passive pressure coefficient at each point,
and FS is a factor that divides the passive pressure coefficient and thus reduces the soil
resistance. The coefficient FS is increased so that the wall deflects to the value that is defined as
“Failure Deflection”. The coefficient FS is the factor of safety that is reported by the program
with a resolution of two decimals.
The factor of safety FS is reported in the header of the graph of wall deflections.

February 4, 2018
11.3. Saving flexible wall calculations

 The Users can save the solution of the flexible wall (deflection, shear, bending and
pressure diagrams) in MS Excel format (CSV) for archiving, printing, as well as graphing
in a format that is compatible to their report appearance.
 To do this, select the menu options File|Save Data for Solved Flexible Wall OR click the
“SAVE OUTCOME” button in the “Flexible Walls” page.
12. Slope Stability

This page examines the stability of geotechnical slopes and provides the evaluation of the
factor of safety against slope collapse.
12.1. Required Data

12.1.1. Selection of Type of Slope
Select the type of slope: “Cut” or “Fill”
 The “Cut” and “Fill” options are located at the top right corner of the “Slope Stability”
page.
 If the slope is generated strictly by cutting into the existing soil profile, as defined by the
Geotechnical Data and the Strength Parameters, then you must select the option “Cut”
(this is the default).
 If the slope includes fill construction, such as an embankment built on top of the original
ground, or a combination of cut and fill, then you should select the option “Fill”.
12.1.2. Slope Stability of a Cut
12.1.2.1. Drawing the Slope

 The slope is drawn as a polyline defined by a series of points. The User can draw the
slope by clicking the Left button of the mouse, starting with the left-most point,
followed by a series of points moving from left to right (Figure 7). Each point is added
using the mouse by left-clicking and releasing. Do not drag. When you have completed
drawing the slope, you MUST click the Right button of the mouse to terminate the
definition of the slope.
 All points must be defined by continuously increasing the x-coordinates. Zig-zag
formation of the slope is not allowed.
 A cut should not be drawn as an embankment having a left and a right slope. Instead,
only one side (left or right) should be dominant. For example, the cut-slope presented in
Figure 7 is clearly a left cut slope. By default, point snapping is enabled. A 1 ft. grid (0.5
m in the Metric version) is drawn on the drawing panel. When points are added, they
snap to the closest grid point.

February 4, 2018
Figure 7: Sequence of point-drawing to define a "Cut" slope.
 The User can change the spacing of the grid.

 The User can select to show or hide the grid by checking or unchecking the "Show Grid"
check box.
 The User can enable or disable point snapping by checking or unchecking the "Snap to
Closest Grid Point" check box.
 The User can move a slope point to a desired position by typing its exact coordinates in
the grid under the tab "Coordinates of Slope Points". An alternative way to move a
point is presented in the section “Editing the Slope Surface” below.
 Once the slope definition is complete (after the right button is clicked), the grade of
each line segment defining the slope is shown. For relatively flat slope segments (up to
5% grade), the grade is presented in %. For example, "3%". For steeper slope segments,
the grade is presented as horizontal vs vertical ratio. For example, “2H:1V”.
12.1.2.2. Editing the Slope Surface

The User can adjust (move) the points that form the slope, graphically, as follows:
 Press and hold down the CTRL button, then left-click the mouse on the point of
interest and drag it to the desired new location (CTRL button is still depressed).
 Release the mouse when done and then release the CTRL button.
 During dragging, the new grade of the edited slope segments appears on the screen,
allowing the User to pursue and obtain the desired grade.
NOTE: Dragging a point to a new position, will only snap on a grid point if the Snapping option is
checked.

February 4, 2018
12.1.2.3. Inserting and Deleting Slope Points

 The User can select a slope point in the grid of the tab “Coordinates of Slope Points”.
 Clicking the right button of the mouse on the selected point will insert a new point
before the selected point, IF the “Insert Before Selected Point” radio button is selected.
The corresponding line in the grid is presented empty for the User to fill-in the desired
coordinates.
 Clicking the right button of the mouse on the selected point will delete that point IF the
“Delete Selected Point” radio button is selected.
12.1.2.4. Changing the View Range

The range of the screen is originally decided by the depth of the borehole that defines the
subgrade. The range can be changed by:
 Using the wheel of the mouse to Zoom in or out, OR
 Typing the desired X and Y range values next to xMin, xMax, yMin, and yMax, on the
right side of the drawing panel. You must click the "Apply the above Limits" button to
activate your input.
NOTE: If you select the second method, be aware that Geotech Master™ will adjust your input
to maintain the proper x and y proportions.
12.1.2.5. Panning the View Range

You can pan the view, as follows:
 Press the SHIFT keyboard button.
 Keep the SHIFT button depressed.
 Left-click the mouse on any point and drag it to achieve the desired window view.
 Release the mouse and then release the SHIFT button when done.
12.1.2.6. Drawing a New Slope

To start a new slope:
 Press the "CLEAR SLOPE DATA" button, which is located to the bottom right of your
screen.
 Repeat the process as described earlier under the section "Drawing the Slope".
12.2. Slope Stability of a Fill/Embankment

12.2.1.1. Drawing the Slope
 Select “Fill” under the "CUT or FILL" selection box to the right of the drawing panel.
 The slope is drawn in multiple stages.

February 4, 2018
 First, draw the ground surface. This is the surface, which defines the grade of the
surface of the existing ground, as defined by in the “Geotechnical Data” and “Strength
Parameter” pages. See Figure 8 for an example that demonstrates the sequencing of the
point drawing.
Figure 8: Sequence of point-drawing to define the ground in a "Fill" slope.
 To start a new slope, remove any preexisting slope surfaces by pressing the “CLEAR
SLOPE DATA” button, which is located at the bottom right of the screen.
 The ground surface is drawn as a polyline defined by a series of points. The User can
draw the ground surface by clicking the Left button of the mouse, starting with the
left-most point and followed by a series of points moving from left to right. (Each point
is added using the mouse by left-clicking and releasing. Do not drag. When you have
completed drawing the ground surface, you MUST click the Right button of the mouse
to terminate the definition of the slope.
 All points must be presented by continuously increasing x-coordinates. Zig-zag
formation of the slope is not allowed.
 The Ground Surface is not a fill. As a result, no point of the ground surface can be
above the y-coordinate of ZERO (0).
 While adding points to define the ground surface, the User can see their x- and
y-coordinates in the GRID under the drawing panel.
 Once the surface definition is completed (by clicking the Right button of the mouse), the
name of the surface (“Ground Surface”), will appear in the selection box under the title
"Current Slope", which is located below the drawing panel.

February 4, 2018
 The User is now ready to add fills by sequentially introducing the points that define the
edges of the fill. The same rules of drawing a ground surface apply to the drawing of a
fil. HOWEVER, fill points can be above the ground surface (see Figure 9).
Figure 9: Sequence of point-drawing to define a fill (embankment) in a "Fill" slope.
NOTE: The FIRST and LAST points of a fill MUST be ON the “Ground Surface” or a
defined fill surface.
 Click the left mouse-button on an existing ground surface to start the creation of a Fill. A
message appears on the screen: "WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANOTHER SLOPE DEFINING
SURFACE?”. Click the “Yes” button to add the fill.
 The first point appears on the existing ground surface at the location where the mouse
pointer was clicked.
 Continue defining the Fill by adding points. NO POINT CAN BE ADDED BELOW AN
ALREADY DEFINED SURFACE.
 To complete the fill, the last point must be ON an existing surface (Ground surface OR
another Fill surface), and then click the Right Button of the mouse to complete the
definition of the Fill.
 As you are adding points to define the fill, the coordinates of these points are shown in
the GRID under the drawing surface.
 Upon completion of the fill surface, (which was achieved by right clicking the mouse),
the Fill name (e.g. “FILL #1”) appears in the selection box under the title "Current Slope"
below the drawing panel.
 The tab option "Fill Material", under the drawing panel, is automatically selected when
the geometric definition of a Fill surface is completed.
 Go to the line that has the same Material ID as the Fill name (e.g. “Fill #1”), and provide
the required information:

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 MATERIAL TYPE.
 UNIT WEIGHT.
 SATURATED UNIT WEIGHT.
 COHESION.
 FRICTION ANGLE.
Note the column with the FAILURE CRITERION as well. In the current implementation,
only the MOHR-COULOMB criterion is considered. As a result, the User cannot change
the data in this column.
 The above steps to add a fill can be repeated for as many fills as needed. Please
remember, that the first and the last point of a fill MUST be on an existing surface
(ground surface, or another fill), as illustrated in Figure 10.
Figure 10: Demonstration of point placement sequence for a second fill
 For the ease of drawing, a grid of points is presented in the drawing panel.
 By default, point snapping is enabled. A 1 ft. grid (0.5 m in the Metric version) is formed
on the drawing screen. When points are added, they snap to the closest grid point.
 The User can change the spacing of the grid.
 The User can select to show or hide the grid, by checking or unchecking the "Show Grid"
check box.
 The User can enable or disable point snapping by checking or unchecking the "Snap to
Closest Grid Point" check box.
 The User can place the slope points in a more precise position by typing their exact
coordinates in the grid under the tab "Coordinates of Slope Points".
 Once the slope definition is complete (after the right mouse-button is clicked), the grade
of each line segment that defines the slope is shown. For shallow slope segments, the

February 4, 2018
grade is presented in %. For example, "3%". For steeper slope segments, the grade is
presented as a horizontal vs vertical ratio. For example, “2H:1V”.
12.2.1.2. Inserting and Deleting Slope Points

 The User can select a slope point in the grid of the tab “Coordinates of Slope Points”.
 To insert a new point in an existing slope do the following:
 Make certain that the “Insert Before Selected Point” radio button is selected.
 Select a line in the grid of points, above which a point will be inserted.
 Click the right button of the mouse on the selected point.
 The inserted line in the grid is void of coordinates.
 The User can fill the desired point coordinates.
 Clicking the right button of the mouse on the selected point of the grid will delete that
point IF the “Delete Selected Point” radio button is selected.
12.3. Functions Available to both Cut and Fill Options

12.3.1. Drawing the Phreatic Surface
 The phreatic surface in the slope can be drawn in a similar way as the slope itself.
 Select the "Phreatic Surface" tab, under the drawing panel.
 Click the "Define the Phreatic Surface" button.
 Start left-clicking the mouse on the drawing panel to define the phreatic surface, in a
similar way that used used to create the slope.
Figure 11: Sequence of point-drawing to define the phreatic surface.
 The phreatic surface is:

February 4, 2018
1. A straight line IF defined by only two points.

2. A second order parabola if defined by three points.
3. A natural cubic spline if defined by four or more points.
 As opposed to the drawing of a slope line, the phreatic surface permits the definition of
points that are not created in strictly left to right order. Instead, the User can to go back
to an existing interval and insert a point. This allows the modification of the shape of the
curve, as necessary.
 To complete the phreatic surface, the User MUST click the mouse right button.
 After the phreatic surface is defined and completed as described above, it can be
modified as follows:
1. ADDING POINTS TO THE PHREATIC SURFACE: Press the button "Add to the Phreatic
Surface" to add points as necessary. The "Add to the Phreatic Surface" button
replaces the "Define the Phreatic Surface" button when a phreatic surface already
exists. The points are then added by clicking the left button of the mouse at the
desired locations (Figure 12). The order of placing the points to define or change the
phreatic surface is not important.
Figure 12: Example of adding points to the left end of the existing phreatic surface.
2. DELETING THE PHREATIC SURFACE: Press the "Delete the Phreatic Surface" button.
Then press the "Define the Phreatic Surface" button and start a new definition.
3. MOVING POINTS OF THE PHREATIC SURFACE: Drag any point of the surface using the
same method to drag a point of the slope surface:
 Press the CTRL button.
 Keep the CTRL button depressed, Left-click the mouse on the phreatic surface
point of interest, and drag it the desired new location.
 Release the mouse when done, and release the CTRL button.
4. INPUT EXACT POINT COORIDINATES: Any of the points of the phreatic surface can be

February 4, 2018
defined more precisely by editing its value on the grid under the "Phreatic Surface"
tab.
NOTE: The phreatic surface exists strictly within the limits of its first and last points. Be sure to
extend it horizontally to the proper range.
12.3.2. Surface Loads

Add loads to the surface of the slope as follows:
 Click the "Surface Loads" tab under the drawing panel.
 Click the "Add Surface Load" button. The mouse pointer changes from a pointing arrow
to a cross.
 Bring the center of the cross pointer as close as possible to the first point of the slope
surface which carries the surface load.
 Left-click the mouse. DO NOT RELEASE.
 Drag the mouse pointer and bring the center of the cross, as close as possible, to the
second point of the slope surface, which carries the continuous surface load.
 Release the mouse.
 The geometric boundaries of the load are defined (Figure 13). The range of the load is
shown under X-Left and X-Right in the grid with the title “Definition of Surface Loads”,
located in the tab "Surface Loads". The amplitude of the surface load is not yet defined
and is shown as ZERO (0) in the same grid, under q_Left and q_Right.
 Type the magnitude of the surface pressure under q_Left. This will automatically update
q_Right to the same magnitude, thus defining a uniformly distributed pressure. This is
the most common case. See Figure 14 for an example of data input.
Figure 13: Illustration of adding to surface loads.

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 If the intended load is trapezoidal, type the different surface pressure under q_Right.
Change of the magnitude of q_Right, does not change the magnitude of q_Left.
Figure 14: Defining the surface load magnitudes q_Left and q_Right
12.3.3. Seismic Loads

 Select the "Seismic Loads" tab below the drawing panel.
 To consider seismic loads, check the "Include Seismic Loads" check box.
 Enter a value for the horizontal Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) in g's. For example, 0.1
means that the horizontal PGA is 0.1g.
 Enter a value for the vertical PGA in g's.
 Enter a value of the ratio of the Quasistatic to PGA acceleration. Typical values of this
ratio range between 0.5 and 0.65, although, values as high as 1.0 may be used in some
small slopes.
 Enter a value for the Residual Strength (Friction Coefficient) Ratio. This is typically a
value less than 1.0 and represents the reduced frictional capacity of the materials (soils)
during or after the earthquake. This coefficient expresses reduction of tanφ (not φ).
Executing this option with Ratio of Quasistatic to PGA = 0, evaluates the static residual
capacity (Factor of Safety) of the slope after the seismic event.
 Enter a value for the Residual Strength (Cohesion) Ratio. This is typically a value less
than 1.0 and represents the reduced cohesion or undrained shear strength of the
materials (soil) during or after the earthquake. Executing this option with Ratio of
Quasistatic to PGA = 0, evaluates the static residual capacity (Factor of Safety) of the
slope after the seismic event.
12.4. Output - List of Failure Surfaces

Geotech Master™ automatically guides the User to the "Failure Surfaces" tab after the
execution of the button "Evaluate Factor of Safety".

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The "Failure Surfaces" tab, located below the drawing panel, presents the basic data for every
failure surface that was considered in the search for the minimum factor of safety. The surfaces
are presented sorted from the lowest to the highest factors of safety.
However, the default failure surface MAY or MAY NOT be the one with the lowest factor of
safety. One of the options is the "Minimum Failure Surface Depth BGS" (Below Ground
Surface), which by default is 0.5 ft. or 0.15 m. The default failure surface selected upon
execution of the "Evaluate Factor of Safety" is the failure surface, which has the lowest factor
of safety and also satisfies the minimum failure surface depth BGS. This may or may not be the
failure surface with the overall lowest factor of safety.
What is the Minimum Failure Surface Depth BGS?

Especially in the case of cohesionless materials, the lowest factor of safety can correspond to a
very shallow failure. This would be equivalent to a minute amount of material "rolling
down-the-hill" (for example the material in the top 1 inch or 25 mm). A deeper failure, for
example, 1 ft. or 300 mm, may have a significantly higher factor of safety. It is left to the User to
decide what type of failure is of interest.
The information presented for each failure surface considered is:

 First Column: Factor of Safety
 Second Column: X coordinate of center of circle
 Third Column: Y coordinate of center of circle
 Fourth Column: Radius of circle.

February 4, 2018

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Page 1 Revision 1.0.8.0

09.5. LATERALLY LOADED GROUP EVALUATIONS 29

10. SWELLING SOILS 31

Page 2 Revision 1.0.8.0

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Geotech Master™ is expecting knowledge of some or all of the following information:

SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS BEARING CAPACITY

PILES AND DRILLED SHAFTS

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1. Start the demo software.

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03. Quick Start

Geotech Master™ is expecting knowledge of some or all of the following

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average CPT tip resistance if such data is available.

STRENGTH AND STIFFNESS OUTCOME

SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS BEARING CAPACITY

SPREAD FOOTING STRUCTURAL DESIGN

PILE BEARING CAPACITY

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SAVING YOUR WORK

04. Input of General Data

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described in the section of SPT Data.

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05. Geotechnical Data Page

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Figure 2: Typical dry unit weights of soils

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Figure 3: CPT Data Interface per layer

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05.1. SPT Information

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Most available empirical correlations between resistance of penetration in blow-counts per

05.2. CPT Information

1. Tip resistance qc (default units in tsf - tons per square

Figure 4: CPT graphic with

06. Strength Parameters Page

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CONSERVATIVE and AGGRESSIVE are also available.

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06.3. Methods of Evaluation

In general, the User input in this page is:

07. Shallow Bearing Capacity Page

07.1. Design Data and Outcome

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07.2. Design Hints

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07.3. Saving shallow bearing capacity results

08. Structural Design of Footings

08.1. Grid and Graphics

08.2. Default Values

COLUMN LOAD, MATERIAL, AND GEOMETRY

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FOOTING MATERIAL PROPERTIES

FOOTING GEOMETRY AND PRESSURE

08.3. Data That Can Be Adjusted By the User

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6. Live/Variable Load: Use the correct unfactored magnitude.

08.4. Output - Design Options

Under the label "DESIGN OF REINFORCEMENT", a grid of recommendations is produced as

08.5. Save Output