(Eng) Eurocode Training - 1997 11

Eurocode Training
EN 1997 in SCIA Engineer
Eurocode Training EN 1997

All information in this document is subject to modification without prior notice. No part of this manual
may be reproduced, stored in a database or retrieval system or published, in any form or in any way,
electronically, mechanically, by print, photo print, microfilm or any other means without prior written
permission from the publisher. SCIA is not responsible for any direct or indirect damage because of
imperfections in the documentation and/or the software.
Copyright 2015 SCIA nv. All rights reserved.
Table of contents
Table of contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1
Edition ................................................................................................................................................ 1
Overview ............................................................................................................................................ 1
2.
Basis of geotechnical design............................................................................................ 3
Ground properties ............................................................................................................................. 3
Ultimate Limit State ........................................................................................................................... 3
Design Approaches........................................................................................................................... 4
Partial factors on actions or the effects on actions Set A1-A2 .................................................... 5
Partial factors for soil parameters Set M1-M2............................................................................. 5
Partial resistance factors Set R1-R3 ........................................................................................... 5
Design approaches in SCIA Engineer ............................................................................................. 6
6. Spread foundations .................................................................................................................. 7
General ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Properties of the Pad Foundation ................................................................................................... 8
Determination of Effective Geometry ............................................................................................. 8
Weight G ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Distances gx & gy ........................................................................................................................ 11
Effective Geometry....................................................................................................................... 11
In SCIA Engineer ......................................................................................................................... 12
Ultimate limit state .......................................................................................................................... 15
Bearing Check .............................................................................................................................. 15
Sliding Check ............................................................................................................................... 19
Eccentricity check ........................................................................................................................ 20
Uplift Check .................................................................................................................................. 22
Pad Foundation Stiffness calculation in SCIA Engineer............................................................. 23
7. Pile foundations in SCIA Engineer NEN method ............................................................. 24
Functionality in SCIA Engineer ...................................................................................................... 24
Geotechnics in SCIA Engineer ...................................................................................................... 25
Soil Profile CPT ............................................................................................................................ 25
CPT Data...................................................................................................................................... 27
NEN Rule (Stress dependent)...................................................................................................... 27
Soil library..................................................................................................................................... 28
Geotechnics setup ....................................................................................................................... 29
Pile Plan ....................................................................................................................................... 32
Pile definition ................................................................................................................................ 34
New nodal support ....................................................................................................................... 36
Check Pile plan design ................................................................................................................ 38
Properties in SCIA Engineer ........................................................................................................ 38
Calculation process ...................................................................................................................... 40
Skin Friction zones ....................................................................................................................... 40
Pile plan design ............................................................................................................................ 41
Check Pile plan verification ........................................................................................................ 41
Properties in SCIA Engineer ........................................................................................................ 41
Calculation process ...................................................................................................................... 43
Pile verification results: ................................................................................................................ 43
Output tables ................................................................................................................................... 45
Soil profile-CPT ............................................................................................................................ 46
Soil ............................................................................................................................................... 47
Pile plan ........................................................................................................................................ 48
3

Pile plan design ............................................................................................................................ 48
Pile plan verification ..................................................................................................................... 48
Limitations for Pile Design in SCIA Engineer............................................................................... 49
Soilin - Settlements .................................................................................................................... 50
References .................................................................................................................................. 51
Eurocode Training - EN 1997
Introduction
Edition
This course will explain the non linear and stability calculations in SCIA Engineer. Most of the modules
necessary for this calculation are included in the Professional edition.
For some options a concept edition is sufficient or for other options an expert edition or an extra
module is required. This will always be indicated in the corresponding paragraph.
Overview
The Structural Eurocode program comprises the following standards generally consisting of a number
of Parts:
EN 1990
Eurocode:
Basis of structural design
EN 1991
Eurocode 1:
Action on structures
EN 1992
Eurocode 2:
Design of concrete structures
EN 1993
Eurocode 3:
Design of steel structures
EN 1994
Eurocode 4:
Design of composite steel and concrete structures
EN 1995
Eurocode 5:
Design of timber structures
EN 1996
Eurocode 6:
Design of masonry structures
EN 1997
Eurocode 7:
Geotechnical design
EN 1998
Eurocode 8:
Design of structures for earthquake resistance
EN 1999
Eurocode 9:
Design of aluminium structures
EN 1997-1 is intended to be applied to the geotechnical aspects of the design of buildings and civil
engineering works. It is concerned with the requirements for strength, stability, serviceability and
durability of structures.
Eurocode 7 consists of two parts:
EN 1997-1:
Geotechnical design Part 1: General Rules
EN 1997-2:
Geotechnical design Part 2: Ground investigation and testing
EN 1997-1 is supplemented by EN 1997-2 that provides requirements for the performance and
evaluation of field and laboratory testing.
In this manual only EN 1997-1 is discussed.
National annex for EN 1997-1

This standard gives alternative procedures and recommended values with notes indicating where
national choices may have to be made. Therefore the National Standard implementing EN 1997-1
should have a National annex containing all Nationally Determined Parameters to be used for the
design of buildings and civil engineering works to be constructed in the relevant country.
National choice is allowed in EN 1997-1 through:
- 2.1(8)P
- 2.4.6.1(4)P
- 2.4.6.2(2)P
- 2.4.7.1(2)P
- 2.4.7.1(3)
- 2.4.7.2(2)P
1

- 2.4.7.3.2(3)P
- 2.4.7.3.3(2)P
- 2.4.7.3.4.1(1)P
- 2.4.7.4(3)P
- 2.4.7.5(2)P
- 2.4.8(2)
- 2.4.9(1)P
- 2.5(1)
- 7.6.2.2(8)P
- 7.6.2.2(14)P
- 7.6.2.3(4)P
- 7.6.2.3(5)P
- 7.6.2.3(8)
- 7.6.2.4(4)P
- 7.6.3.2(2)P
- 7.6.3.2(5)P
- 7.6.3.3(3)P
- 7.6.3.3(4)P
- 7.6.3.3(6)
- 8.5.2(2)P
- 8.5.2(3)
- 8.6(4)
- 11.5.1(1)P
And the following clauses in annex A:
- A.2
- A.3.1
- A.3.2
- A.3.3.1
- A.3.3.2
- A.3.3.3
- A.3.3.4
- A.3.3.5
- A.3.3.6
- A.4
- A.5
2. Basis of geotechnical design
Ground properties
With the correct Design Approach, the design values for the soil properties are determined:
tan
= atan [
]
read from Subsoil Library
With:
=
read from National Annex Setup
With:
=
c read from Subsoil Library

c read from National Annex Setup
With:
=
cu read from Subsoil Library

cu read from National Annex Setup
specific weight read from Library
With:
,
With:
Backfill weight read from Pad foundation input Data

A final safety factor which needs to be determined concerns the safety

factor for the weight of the pad foundation and the backfill material. This
safety factor is taken as the safety factor for the first permanent load
case for the combination under consideration i.e. G.
In case a combination does not have a permanent load case, G is
taken as 1,00.
Ultimate Limit State

(EN 1997-1 2.4.7)
Where relevant, it shall be verified that the following limit states are not exceeded:
Loss of equilibrium of the structure or the ground (EQU)
Internal failure or excessive deformation of the structure or structural elements in which the
strength of structural materials is significant in providing resistance (STR)
Failure or excessive deformation of the ground, in which the strength of soil or rock is significant in
providing resistance (GEO)
Loss of equilibrium of the structure or the ground due to uplift by water pressure or other vertical
actions (UPL)
Hydraulic heave, internal erosion and piping in the ground caused by hydraulic gradients (HYD)
Limit state GEO is often critical to the sizing of structural elements involved in foundations or
retaining structures and sometimes to the strength of structural elements.
Design Approaches
(EN 1997-1 2.4.7)
The manner in which the design effects of actions and resistances are applied shall be determined
using one of three Design Approaches:
Depending on the Design Approach set in the National Annex Setup, the sets of safety factors are
read from the setup as follows:
Design Approach 1
Combination 1: A1 + M1 + R1
Combination 2: A2 + M2 + R1
Design Approach 2
Combination: A1 + M1 + R2
Design Approach 3
Combination: (A1* or A2**) + M2 + R3

* On structural actions
** On geotechnical actions
For Design Approach 1 the safety sets depend on the combination type.
For combinations of type EN-ULS (STR/GEO) Set B sets M1 & R1 are used.
For combinations of type EN-ULS (STR/GEO) Set C sets M2 & R1 are used.
For any other combination sets M1 & R1 are used.
For Design Approach 2, in all cases sets M1 & R2 are used.
For Design Approach 3, in all cases sets M2 & R3 are used.
The safety factors corresponding with a certain design approach can be found in the Annex A of EN
1997-1:
Partial factors on actions or the effects on actions Set A1-A2

The Partial factors on actions or the effects of actions:
G:
on permanent unfavourable or favourable actions
Q:
on variable unfavourable or favourable actions
Partial factors for soil parameters Set M1-M2

Partial factors on soil parameters (M) shall be applied:
:
on the tangent of the angle of shearing resistance
c:
on effective cohesion
cu:
on undrained shear strength
qu:
on unconfined strength
:
on weight density
Partial resistance factors Set R1-R3

In annex A.3.3 of EN 1997-1 several options for set R1, R2 and R3 are given, depending on the type of
ground resistance
Design approaches in SCIA Engineer

In SCIA Engineer the choice for the Design Approach can be done in the National Annex parameters of
EN 1997-1-1:
Also all tabulated factors can be adapted here.

Afterwards the correct design approach will be taken into account when using a EN-ULS (STR/GEO)
Set C Combination.
When starting the calculation, SCIA Engineer will make a class GEO automatically:
6. Spread foundations
General
The provisions of section 6 of EN 1997-1 apply to spread foundations including pads, strips and rafts.
In SCIA Engineer the option pad foundations has been inputted following EN 1997-1.
The following limit states shall be considered in this chapter:
Loss of overall stability

bearing resistance failure, punching failure, squeezing
failure by sliding
combined failure in the ground and in the structure
structural failure due to foundation movement
excessive settlements
excessive heave due to swelling, frost and other causes
unacceptable vibrations
To use the pad foundation check in SCIA Engineer, the functionalities Subsoil and Pad foundation
check should be activated:
Remark: Make sure that also the material Concrete has been activated; otherwise it is not possible to
input a pad foundation!
And afterwards the option Pad foundation can be chosen in the Properties window of the supports:
Properties of the Pad Foundation

Determination of Effective Geometry
The next step in the check concerns the determination of the effective geometry of the pad foundation.
The following picture illustrates the different actions working on the foundation.
In this picture the following notations are used:

G
Weight of the foundation and of any backfill material inside the area of abcd.
Load application point for load G referenced to the center point of the foundation
base
Vertical Rz reaction of the support
Load application point for load P referenced to the center point of the foundation
base.
This is read as the load eccentricities ex and ey from the Pad Foundation
library.
Horizontal Rx or Ry reaction of the support
=(h1 + h2)
Load application point of the horizontal load H referenced to the foundation
base.
With h1 and h2 read from the Pad Foundation Library.
Moment Mx or My reaction of the support
Vd
=G+P
Ultimate load vertical to the foundation base including the weight of the
foundation and any backfill material.
Load application point for load Vd referenced to the center point of the
foundation base
In SCIA Engineer Support Reaction Elimination factors can be defined in the Geotechnics setup.
These factors can be used in case the user for example models only a pad foundation and omits other
foundation elements like a ring beam. The user can then specify that for example only 50% of a
reaction should be used to design the pad foundation since the other 50% goes into the ring beam.
The eccentricity e is calculated as follows:
For a general 3D case this formula is written as:

$
#
#
!"
! "$
! "%
Weight G
The weight G consists of three parts:
1) The weight of the foundation block, GBlock
This depends on the shape of the block (prismatic or pyramidal), dimensions and also the
density Block of the block material.
The density of the block depends on the Water table level.
No influence
Block
at foundation base
Block
at ground level
(Block W)
The Water Density W is taken as 9,81 kN/m
2) The weight of the backfill around h2, GBackfill,Around
This depends on the shape of the block (prismatic or pyramidal), dimensions and also the
density of the backfill material.
The backfill density Backfill,d is specified in Ground properties
The density of the backfill depends on the Water table level.

No influence
Backfill,d
at foundation base
Backfill,d
at ground level
(Backfill,d W)
The Water Density W is taken as 9,81 kN/m
3) The weight of the backfill above the foundation block, GBackfill,Above
This depends on the height and density of the backfill as specified in the input of the Pad
Foundation.
In SCIA Engineer it is also possible to input a negative height for the backfill material. A
negative value is used to indicate that the soil is lower than the top of the foundation block.
The three parts are illustrated on the following picture:
The design value of the total weight G can then be calculated as follows:
Gd = G * [GBlock + GBackfill,Around + GBackfill,Above]
With G the safety factor of the permanent loading for the combination under consideration, as defined in
Ground properties.
G is a safety factor which needs to be determined concerns the safety factor for the weight of the pad
foundation and the backfill material. This safety factor is taken as the safety factor for the first
permanent load case for the combination under consideration i.e. G. In case a combination does not
have a permanent load case, G is taken as 1,00.
Distances gx & gy
Using the weight and the volume, the center of gravity of the block and backfill are determined. The
distances gx and gy are then calculated from this centroid to the center point of the foundation base.
Effective Geometry
As a final step, using the eccentricities ex and ey the effective geometry of the foundation base is
calculated as follows:
L1 = A 2 * |ex|
L2 = B 2 * |ey|
With A & B read from the Pad Foundation library:
B = min (L1 ; L2)

L = max (L1 ; L2)
A = B * L
In case SCIA Engineer will find a value B< 0 or L< 0, the geometry is incorrect and the check is not
executed and a warning is given on the output.
In SCIA Engineer
The dimensions of the pad foundations can be inputted in the properties window of the support, at Pad
foundation:
And the type of the subsoil under Subsoil.

Afterwards it is also possible to input here the influence of the water table and the properties of the
backfill material:
The checks can be found in the menu Geotechnics:
When performing this Pad foundation stability check, first the general properties of the pad foundation
are shown here:
And afterwards the Ultimate limit state checks will be displayed (see further).
Ultimate limit state

(EN 1997-1 6.5)
In this chapter the different steps of the Pad Foundation Checks are specified.
First of all, the required safety and resistance factors need to be determined depending on the chosen
Design Approach.
Using these safety factors, the vertical design loading Vd, horizontal design loading Hd and effective
geometry of the pad are determined.
Based on this effective geometry the different checks are executed.
The above steps are detailed in the following paragraphs.
Bearing Check
The Bearing check is executed according to EN 1997-1 art. 6.5.2 and Annex D [Ref.1]
# &'
The Bearing resistance Rd depends on the fact if the soil condition is drained or undrained.
In case the user knows the soil capacity, for example from a geotechnical report, Rd can be read
directly from the input data instead of calculated.
Undrained Bearing Resistance

The formulas in this paragraph are used in case the Type field in the Subsoil Library is set to
Undrained.
The design value of the undrained bearing resistance is calculated as follows:
' =
[ (
* + ,
01,2
-] .
cud
As specified in the National Annex Setup
bc
Inclination of the foundation base

In SCIA Engineer, the foundation base is always horizontal, thus: bc = 1,00
sc
Shape of the foundation
ic
Inclination of the load, caused by horizontal load Hd
In SCIA Engineer the foundation block has a rectangular shape, sc = 1
1
61
2
71
0,2
and Hd A * cud
in case Hd > A * cud the value of ic is set to 0,5

Hd
Resulting horizontal load
=9
:
$
:
%
Hx
Horizontal support reaction Rx as defined in General
Hy
Horizontal support reaction Ry as defined in General
Effective width as defined in General
Effective length as defined in General
Effective area as defined in General
Overburden at the foundation base [Ref.5]

=(h1 + h2 + hbackfill)* Backfill,d
With:
h1 & h2 read from the Pad Foundation Library
hbackfill read from the Pad Foundation input
Backfill,d as defined in ground properties

R,v
Resistance factor read from the National Annex Setup
Drained Bearing Resistance

The formulas in this paragraph are used in case the Type field in the Subsoil Library is set to Drained.
The design value of the drained bearing resistance is calculated as follows:
' =
; < * + ,
<= *= += ,=
01,2
0,5 0
cd
As specified in the National Annex Setup
Nc
Bearing resistance factor
Nq
16
= B<=
=
1C cot F
GHIJ KL M
tan: 45
= 2 B<=
1C tan F
F
2
? <@ *@ +@ ,@ A .

bc

In SCIA Engineer, the foundation base is always horizontal, thus: bc = 1,00
bq

In SCIA Engineer, the foundation base is always horizontal, thus: bq= 1,00

In SCIA Engineer, the foundation base is always horizontal, thus: b = 1,00
sc

In SCIA Engineer the foundation block has a rectangular shape,
sc =
sq
OP QP RS
QP RS

In SCIA Engineer the foundation block has a rectangular shape,
sq = 1
T U sin F
5
ic
In SCIA Engineer the foundation block has a rectangular shape, s = 1
B1 ,= C
< tan F
= ,=
iq
= Y1
i
. Z[ F
= Y1
. Z[ F
= _5 cos `
:
_ sin: `
]^S
c
b de
?
=
c
a1 b de
?
?
a2 b de
c
=
?
a1 b de
c
Angle of the horizontal load Hd with the direction L
' d
As specified in the Ground properties
mL
mB
0,3 5
a2
Effective width as defined in general
Effective length as defined in general
Hd
Resulting horizontal load
=9
:
$
:
%
Hx
Horizontal support reaction Rx
Hy
Horizontal support reaction Ry
Vd
Vertical reaction as specified in General
qd
Effective overburden at the foundation base [Ref.5]
17

=(h1 + h2 + hbackfill)* t
With:
h1 & h2 read from the Pad Foundation Library
hbackfill read from the Pad Foundation input
t is depending on the water level as follows:

No influence
Backfill,d
at foundation base
Backfill,d
at ground level
(Backfill,d W)
Backfill,d as defined in Ground properties

W is taken as 9,81 kN/m
Effective weight density of the soil below the foundation level

depending on the water level as follows:
No influence
at foundation base
(d W)
at ground level
(d W)
d as defined in Ground properties

W is taken as 9,81 kN/m
R,v
Known Soil Capacity Bearing Resistance

In case the Soil capacity is known, this value can be used directly instead of using the EN 1997-1
bearing resistance calculation outlined above.
This procedure is applied in case the checkbox Known soil capacity, use Sigma oc is activated in
the Geotechnical Design Setup:
The design value of the bearing resistance is calculated as follows:
' = . f

A
Effective area as defined in general
od
Design value of the admissible soil capacity, taken as oc
oc
Read from the Subsoil Library
Bearing check in SCIA Engineer
So in this example the unity check for the Bearing resistance is not okay.
Sliding Check
The Sliding check is executed according to EN 1997-1 art. 6.5.3 [Ref.1]
&'
'g,
The Sliding resistance Rd depends on the fact if the soil condition is drained or undrained.
The value Rp,d specifies the positive effect of the earth pressure at the side of the foundation.
Since this effect cannot be relied upon, this value is taken as zero in SCIA Engineer.
The sliding resistance is dependent on the condition of the subsoil.
a) -
In case the Type field in the Subsoil Library is set to Undrained.
' =
hL iM
@j,k
cud
As defined in Ground properties
R,h
In case the checkbox Water/air in clay subgrade in the Subsoil Library is activated, it
means that it is possible for water or air to reach the interface between a foundation and an
undrained clay subgrade. Following EN 1997-1 6.5.3(12), the value of Rd is limited as
follows:
' & 0,4 #

Vd
Vertical reaction as defined in General
b) In case the Type field in the Subsoil Library is set to Drained.
' =
Vd
# tan l
01,m
Vertical reaction as defined in General

Design friction angle at the foundation base
Dependent on the Cast condition specified in the Pad
Foundation Library:
Prefabricated
In situ
R,h
:
n
As specified in Ground properties

Sliding check in SCIA Engineer
So in this example the unity check for the Sliding resistance is okay.
Eccentricity check
EN 1997-1 art. 6.5.4 specifies that special precautions are required for loads with large eccentricities:
Special precautions shall be taken where the eccentricity of loading exceeds 1/3 of the width of a
rectangular footing or 0,6 of the radius of a circular footing.
Such precautions include:
-
careful review of the design values of actions in accordance with 2.4.2
designing the location of the foundation edge by taking into account the magnitude of
construction tolerances.
According to [Ref.2] pp96:
It is common practice (although not required by EN 1997-1) to put some limit on the eccentricity
under characteristic values of actions.
According to [Ref.3] this is done by checking if the design load is within a critical ellipse or critical
diamond.
More specifically the eccentricity of the load should not exceed 1/3 or 1/6 of the width.
The maximal value of the eccentricity is defined in the Geotechnical Design Setup:
Based on the maximal value an eccentricity check is executed as follows according to [Ref.3].
a) In case the maximal eccentricity is set to 1/3
T hpU
o
oq :
T U &r
The eccentricity check of 1/3 take into account that the pad foundation will not lose contact with the
ground over more than half its width under the service loads.
b) In case the maximal eccentricity is set to 1/6
op
h
oq
&
S
s
ex
As specified in General
ey
As specified in General
Read from Pad Foundation Library
Read from Pad Foundation Library
The eccentricity check of 1/6 take into account that the whole pad foundation is under pressure.
The foundation will not lose contact with the ground over the whole area.
c) In case the maximal eccentricity is set to No limit

In this case there is no limit i.e. any eccentricity is allowed. The unity check is then set to 0,00.
Following the EN 1997-1 it is not required to put limits on the eccentricity calculation
Excentricity check in SCIA Engineer
So in this example the unity check for the maximum excentricity is not okay.
Uplift Check
In case the vertical design loading Vd is negative, it implies that the pad foundation is in tension and
may thus be uplifted from the ground.
The uplift check is written out as follows and is executed instead of the Bearing, Sliding and
Eccentricity checks:
|!| &
P:
Gd
The vertical Rz reaction as specified in General

The weight of the foundation and any backfill as specified in General
Pad Foundation Stiffness calculation in SCIA Engineer

This chapter specifies the calculation of the stiffness coefficients of a pad foundation.
In the stiffness calculation has been assumed that C2x = C2y.
. ? v1w
Stiffness X
. ? v1x
Stiffness Y
. ? v1y
Stiffness Z
?n
Stiffness Rx
.n
Stiffness Ry
Ix
Iy
? v1y
v1x |w
Stiffness Rz
With:
A
B
C1x
C1y
C1z
C2x
. v1y
2 .
? v1y v2w
2 v1y v2w
6
2 v1y v2w
6
v1w |x
2v2w
. ?: v1y v2w
2
? .: v1y v2w
2
S:
h}
S:
.: v2w
2
. ? v2w
? . v2w
1 .n v1y
1 ?n v1y 2 v1y v2w .: 1
6
6
4
2 v1y v2w ?: 1 v2w .: v2w ?:
4
2
2
Dimension read from Pad Foundation library

Dimension read from Pad Foundation library
Soil stiffness read from Subsoil Library
h }
?: v2w
2
7. Pile foundations in SCIA Engineer NEN method

Pile foundations are programmed in SCIA Engineer following the EN 1997-1, with the Dutch National
Annex. For the moment this check does only exist for the Dutch National annex and not yet for the
other countries.
Functionality in SCIA Engineer

Pile design [NEN Method] functionality is added under the subsoil category.
When this functionality has been activated, the Type of the support can be changed to Pile:
A New service Geotechnics has been introduced in SCIA Engineer. This service is common for Pile
design and Pad Foundation. This service is available only if the Pile design functionality is selected.
Geotechnics in SCIA Engineer

Soil Profile CPT
The soil profile CPT is a library in SCIA Engineer which enables the user to generate the soil profiles
from CPT data. The generated soil profiles are used in Pile plan design /verification.
The CPT dialog will be as shown below.
The user has to select the GEF file using the
gef file from the link Import from Dino.
button. The program also allows the user to get the
The program generates the soil profile from the CPT data. In this dialog, two soil profiles are drawn.
The left profile is the result of the interpretation from the CPT data with the CPT data drawn to the left
of it and the other profile is the edited geometry.
The interpretation is based on the NEN rule (Stress Dependent) which is based on table 1 of NEN
6740. The default min layer thickness is 0.5m.
The program allows the user to edit the interpreted soil profile. The interpreted soil profile consists of
only the soils which are defined by the NEN model (see also next chapter). The user can edit the
interpreted geometry of the soil profile with the user defined soils. The soils used by NEN are made
available in the database of the soil library and the user will be able to define the new soils.
The interpreted geometry can be retrieved at any time by using the option Copy interpreted geometry
to edited geometry. .
The edited geometry (or soil profile) will be used as an input for the pile plan design/verification. After
generating the soil profile, a library object (CPT) has been added into the Soil profile CPT library. The
CPT object is represented graphically in the 3D model as a borehole object in SCIA Engineer. The user
has to use the Draw CPT in Model window option to draw the CPT in the model, with other words to
make it visible on the graphical screen.

The XY coordinates are defined by the user and the top level is the test level. The test level has been
read from the CPT data.
The user has to specify the additional data of the soil profile which are required during the
design/verification.
The default values are specified in the properties. The values for Top of positive skin friction zone and
bottom of negative skin friction zone will be entered by the user.
Phreatic level
The level between the dry soil and the wet soil
OCR
The value of Overconsolidation ratio of bearing layer determines whether the

maximum pile tip resistance to be reduced due to Overconsolidation or not.
Overconsolidation is normally caused by loads which were applied to the bearing
layer over a long period of time. The range and effect of OCR on Pile tip
resistance are
OCR<=2
No effect on Pile tip resistance
2< OCR < 4
Maximum Pile tip resistance is reduced by 33%
OCR > 4
Maximum Pile tip resistance is reduced by 50%
Explanation OCR:
Consolidation is a process by which soils decrease in volume. According to Karl
Terzaghi consolidation is any process which involves decrease in water
content of a saturated soil without replacement of water by air. In general it
is the process in which reduction in volume takes place by expulsion of water
under long term static loads. It occurs when stress is applied to a soil that causes
the soil particles to pack together more tightly, therefore reducing its bulk volume.
When this occurs in a soil that is saturated with water, water will be squeezed out
of the soil. The magnitude of consolidation can be predicted by many different
methods. In the Classical Method, developed by Karl von Terzaghi, soils are
tested with an oedometer test to determine their compression index. This can be
used to predict the amount of consolidation.
When stress is removed from a consolidated soil, the soil will rebound, regaining
some of the volume it had lost in the consolidation process. If the stress is
reapplied, the soil will consolidate again along a recompression curve, defined by
the recompression index. The soil which had its load removed is considered
to be overconsolidated. This is the case for soils which have previously had
glaciers on them. The highest stress that it has been subjected to is termed the
preconsolidation stress. The over consolidation ratio or OCR is defined as the
highest stress experienced divided by the current stress. A soil which is
currently experiencing its highest stress is said to be normally consolidated and to
have an OCR of one. A soil could be considered underconsolidated immediately
after a new load is applied but before the excess pore water pressure has had
time to dissipate.

Top of Positive
Skin Friction Zone
Top of Positive skin friction zone
Bottom of
Negative Skin
Friction Zone
Bottom of Negative skin friction zone
The bottom of the zone coincides with the pile tip level. For a prefabricated pile
with widened tip, the top of the zone may never be placed above the widening.
The program checks and corrects for this automatically.
The top of the zone coincides with the surface or excavation level.
The calculation of negative skin friction depends on whether piles are to be
considered as single or group.
When Piles are within 5m, the piles form a pile group, if not they are considered
as single piles.
Expected Ground
Level settlement
Expected ground level settlement

The expected ground level settlement determines how the negative skin friction
has to be incorporated in the calculations.
If the expected settlement is 0.02m, negative skin friction is negligible and will not
be considered.
For the values ranging from 0.02m to 0.10m, the effect of negative skin friction is
directly incorporated into the calculated pile settlement by adding half of the
expected ground level settlement to the total pile settlement.
For values >0.10m, the maximum forces due to negative skin friction are
calculated. These forces are then used to determine the negative skin friction on
the pile settlement.
CPT Data
The gef file contains the relevant CPT
data. The data include the Level, qc,
friction, water pressure and friction
number. The availability of the above
properties is dependent on the gef file.
The program identifies the input data
and will generate the soil profile based
on the input data and the interpretation
rule.
Import from Dino: This option allows

the user to import the gef files from the
map. The available CPTs in the region
will be shown to the user and the user
will select the CPT. The program will
generate the soil profile for the
selected CPT.
NEN Rule (Stress dependent)

The NEN rule (stress dependent) is considered to be a more common and is used for interpretation of
the soil profile. This rule uses 14 different areas and is based on the Dutch standard NEN 6740. Each
area describes certain soil types by defining the relationship between CPT resistance and friction ratio.
The friction ratio is defined as the shear resistance as a percentage of the cone resistance. The soils

used by the NEN rule and its properties are defined in a soil library. The soil types used by NEN rule
are:
Gravel, slightly silty, moderate
Sand, clean, stiff
Sand, slightly silty, moderate
Sand, very silty, loose
Loam, very sandy, stiff
Loam, slightly sandy, weak
Clay, very sandy, stiff
Clay, slightly sandy, moderate
Clay, clean, stiff
Clay, clean, weak
Clay, organ, moderate
Clay, organ, weak
Peat, moderately preloaded, moderate
Peat, not preloaded, weak.
Soil library
Soil library is a new standard library in SCIA Engineer. This library is added under the subsoil node.
The soil materials and its properties are specified in this library. The database of soils used by the NEN
model is created in a db4 file and will be loaded automatically.
The program also enables the user to define the new soils. The user defined soils will be used to edit
the interpreted geometry of the soil profile.
Description
Description of the Soil
Soil type
The soils can be any of the following types: Gravel, Sand, Loam, Clay, Peat
Note: this type must be selected in order to perform a correct calculation.
Gamma
unsaturated
Dry unit weight of the soil
Gamma
saturated
Saturated unit weight of the soil
Friction angle
Angle of internal friction for the soil The value must be between 0 - 90 degrees

Median
This property applies to soil types sand and gravel.

The size of median will influence the value of S which is used to determine the
positive skin friction.
For sand with median >0.6mm, the values of S will be reduced by 25%.
For gravel with median >2mm S will be reduced by 50%.
Geotechnics setup
A New setup for Geotechnics has been introduced in SCIA Engineer. This setup is common for Pile
design and Pad Foundation.
The parameters described in the setup are required for the Pile plan design/verification.
Superstructure type
The type of structure House and Other can be selected from the
drop down list.
Based on the type of structure, the requirements for both the limit
states and the number of CPTs are carried out.
Rigidity of Superstructure
The superstructure can be specified either Rigid or non-rigid.

This parameter influences the calculation. The (sigh factor) also
depends on the rigidity of the structure.
Use all CPTs for all pile plans
If this option is selected all the soil profiles will be automatically

associated to all the Pile plans. If the user wishes to manually
associate the CPTs to pile plans this option must be unchecked.
Overrule parameters
The parameters listed under this can be overruled, If not the

parameters would be determined according to the standard or
calculated. The user has to make sure that the overruling of
parameters is allowable.
Factor
This factor depends on the number of CPTs and the number of

piles under rigid super structure. The factor is derived from table 1
of NEN 6743.
mb
Safety factor for materials Derived from table 3 in NEN 6740
f;nk
Safety factor for negative skin friction Derived from NEN 6740
11.5.1
Area
The influence area per pile, to be used in the calculation of

negative skin friction for pile groups. If this option is not overruled,
the program calculates the influence area.
This is done by calculating the average pile distance within the pile
group (Davg).
Area = Davg*Davg.
Average Soil Modulus
The value of the average soil modulus is calculated according to

NEN 6743-1:2006, art 6.3.2 (i.e. mean modulus of elasticity of the
soil beneath the level of 4D under the pile point).
Trajectory
The trajectory is specified by start and end limit above/below the

reference level. The interval of trajectory determines the number of
calculations to be performed. The top and bottom limits of the
trajectory must meet the following requirements.
The start trajectory must be at least 5*dmin below the lowest
surface level, excavation level and pile head level. (dmin- smallest
cross section dimension of the pile)
The end trajectory must be at least 4*Deq above the deepest level
of the shallow CPT. Deq Equivalent diameter.
The interval has to be chosen in such a way that the maximum
number calculations should not exceed 151.
In below the factors as given in the NEN-EN 1997-1:2005/NB:2008:
Factor
EN 1997-1: A.3.3.3:
For verifications of structural (STR) and geotechnical (GEO) limit states, the following correlation
factors shall be applied to derive the characteristic resistance of axially loaded piles:
1
on the mean values of the measured resistances in static load tests
on the minimum value of the measured resistances in static load tests
30
on the mean values of the calculated resistances from ground test results
on the minimum value of the calculated resistances from ground test results
on the mean values of the measured resistances in dynamic load tests
on the minimum value of the measured resistances in dynamic load tests.
NEN-EN 1997-1:2005/NB:2008:
EN 1997-1: A.3.3.3:
Pile Plan
In SCIA Engineer the Pile plan library has been inputted. The piles are defined in the library and are
associated to the supports.
Soil profile
CPT
The soil profile generated from the CPT

data must be associated with the Pile
plan. At least one soil profile is to be
associated with every pile plan. The
design/verification of piles could be
performed based on the soil profile.
In the Geotechnics setup page, if the
option Use all the CPTs for all Pile
plans is checked, all the soil profiles will
be directly associated with all the pile
plans.
If the user wishes to associate the soil
profiles manually, this option must be
unchecked. The standard selection tool
with the list of available CPTs is
displayed in the left and the associated
CPTs are displayed in the right window.
There is also a link to the soil profile CPT
library in the selection dialog.
Pile Definition
The properties of the pile and the relevant parameters are defined in a special
dialog. This dialog is opened through the button
. This dialog is language
independent. All the parameters are only in English. All parameters for this
dialog are given in the next paragraph.
Pile tip Level
When we define /create the pile plan, the level type will be user defined and the
user has to specify the pile tip level. After the pile design has been performed
the level type is automatically set to calculated level and the calculated pile tip
level will be set for the pile tip level.
Type Z
The stiffness type for the supports in the Z direction has to be specified. For
Linear analysis, the user has to choose either rigid/flexible type.
If Non-linear functionality is selected, in addition to Rigid/Flexible, the nonlinear option will also be available. If this option is selected, the Non-linear
function library will be associated with the support.
Load
Settlement
curves
The Load settlement curves are the result of Pile verification. After Pile
verification, these load settlement curves will be included in the pile plan library.
The
buttons will enable the user to view the LS curves. The ULS and SLS
curves will be displayed independently.
Pile definition
This dialog can be found through the button
after Pile definition in the Pile plan dialog.
Shape of Pile
The user can specify the shape of pile by selecting one of the shapes
represented graphically on the left part of the dialog. The selected shape will be
displayed in the Pile shape dialog.
Dimensions
Based on the shape of pile, the user has to specify the dimensions for the Pile.
The dimensions have to be specified in m, m/m or mm.
Rect Pile
Rect Pile with enl base

Steel Section
Round pile
Round tapered pile
Round hollow pile
Pile type
Base width and base length of the Pile

Width, length and height of base & width and length of shaft
Base width and base length of the Pile
Diameter of Pile
Diameter at tip and increase in diameter
Internal and external diameter of pile
Round enlarged base
Diameter and height of base and Pile diameter
Round lost tip
Round driven base
The program will display the predefined pile types that can be selected for the
chosen pile shape in the dropdown list.
The user has to select the type of pile from the list. If the predefined type is
selected, the corresponding pile data are filled automatically and these data
cannot be edited. Selection of User defined type will allow the user to enter all
the data manually.
s is the pile factor for the shaft friction.

For cohesive soils, the value for this factor is according to NEN 6743-1:2006

and depends on the soil material.
For non-cohesive soils (sand, gravel) the value for s depends on the pile type.
Hence it can be specified by selecting one of the predefined pile types from the
dropdown box. As a result the actual value for as will be displayed in the current
value box. If User defined is selected as the subtype, only the parameter value
is entered and the relation of the subtype with the pile type no longer applies. It
has the following consequences:
The value entered for s, valid for sand and gravel layers, will NOT be adjusted
for any instance of coarse grain (NEN 6743-1:2006 Table 3) The exception for
the determination of the pile tip shape factor cannot be met because it is
impossible to determine that a cast-in place pile with a regained steel driving
tube is applied (NEN 6743-1:2006 5.4.2.2.3).
The check on dL (length of positive skin friction zone) when a weighted tip is
applied cannot be performed because it cannot be determined that a prefabricated pile is used (NEN 6743-1:2006 5.4.2).
For cohesive soils (clay, peat, loam) the factor according to the standard is
depth-dependent and thus has no single value. As a result the current value box
displays N.A. (Not Applicable) as the value can not be shown. If User defined is
selected as the subtype, only the parameter value is entered. That value can
and will be displayed as current value.
p is the pile factor for the pile point.

As s for sand/gravel, p depends on the pile type for its value. Therefore it can
be specified by selecting one of the standard pile types from the combo box. As
a result the actual value for p will be displayed in the current value box. Select
User defined to specify any other value for p. If User defined is selected for p,
the pile factor for the pile point, then the exception for continuous flight auger
piles cannot be taken into account for the reduction of qc-values when
determining qc;III;mean. The reason for this is that it cannot be determined if a
continuous flight auger pile is used (NEN 6743-1:2006 5.4.2.2.1).
LS Curve
Load-Settlement curves NEN 6743-1:2006 Figures 6 and 7 contain only lines

for three subtypes
- Displacement pile
- Continuous flight auger pile
- Bored pile
Material
The material of the user defined pile is selected.
Youngs
modulus
The corresponding elasticity modulus is provided automatically for concrete,

steel and timber and cannot be edited. If the material "User defined" is selected
then the Youngs modulus must also be specified.
Slip layer
The slip layer for the pile has been specified.
Representative
Adhesion
The corresponding representative adhesion is provided automatically and

cannot be edited, unless the value User defined is selected, in which case the
required Representative adhesion should be input.
New nodal support

A new nodal support type Pile has been added into the standard support. The pile plan library is
associated to the Pile support.
36

The standard properties of the support are defined. The type Z is directly read from the pile plan library
and will be used by all the supports during the analysis. The supports are grouped by the pile plan.
By default, the value of X & Y will be set to Free and the user may change only these two values. The
support can have any condition.
By default the support is a hinge i.e. X, Y and Z are fixed, Rx, Ry and Rz are free.
In case the reaction in the Z-direction is negative i.e. the pile is in tension, no check is executed for the
pile and a warning is displayed.
The properties of the support are:
The supports are represented in the Model as shown below
The colour of the Pile is from the Pile plan library. The colour of piles is controlled by the view flag
parameters under the tab Model
The option colour by pile plan is by default checked and if the user wishes to see all the piles
represented by colour of supports, the user has to uncheck this option.
The display of pile labels for the supports is also controlled by the view parameters.
Check Pile plan design

Properties in SCIA Engineer
This option enables the user to calculate the pile tip level. The design/ verification of bearing piles are
performed based on the guidelines given by NEN 6740 and NEN 6743.
In SCIA Engineer this option is available in the case that NEN or EC-EN is selected as code.
The design is performed only for bearing piles which are subjected to static or quasi static loads that
cause compressive forces in the piles. The calculation of pile forces and pile displacements are based
on cone penetration test. Any possibility of tension in piles and horizontal displacements of piles and/or
pile plans are not taken into account.
In Pile Design (preliminary design), a single pile is always assumed and the calculations performed are
based on a single pile for ULS. Any possible pile plan is disregarded when using the Pile design option.
Hence a non-rigid superstructure is assumed and pile group effects are not considered and these
limitations are explicitly mentioned in the results/ document of SCIA Engineer.
The program evaluates the pile tip level where the net bearing capacity of the pile is equal to or
more than the maximum load on the pile. After performing the analysis, the pile plan design
command will be enabled in the Geotechnics service:
The following are the Prerequisites for performing the Pile plan design:
Model of the analysed structure must be properly defined.
The reactions of the supports must be known.
The procedure used for performing the design is analogous to the procedure for evaluation of results.
In the tree menu of service Geotechnics, select the command Pile plan design. Once the command is
selected, the appropriate parameters are listed in the Property window.
Selection
The user may perform the design either on all pile plans or only selected pile plans.
The selection of pile plans is carried in a unique manner:
The user may select any pile and all the piles belonging to the selected pile plan
will be internally selected. The pile which is subjected to maximum vertical reaction
[among the selected class] will be identified and the design will be performed for
this load. The calculated level will be applied to all the piles of the selected pile
plan.
If the selection is All, the pile subjected to maximum vertical reaction is identified
in each pile plan and the design will be performed for each pile plan based on the
worst pile.
Load type
Class
Pile plan design will be performed only for the result classes which have the
ultimate combinations defined. The filtering will be done automatically by the
program and only the result classes which have the ULS combinations will be
made available. If no result class is defined by the user and only the combinations
are defined, the program automatically creates a result class with ULS
combination.
The design will be performed for the selected pile plans. The calculation will be

done after the user presses the Refresh button and the results will be displayed in
the preview window.
Store result
This check box will allow the user to store the input and output xml files which are
used for Pile design/verification by the program. This will enable the user to
enhance the pile design in MFoundation as this will offer the possibility to create a
project using this xml file.
Path
The user has to select the folder in which the input and output xml of the pile plans
are to be stored.
The name of the file will be automatically set by the program - Name of Pile plan
and the result class. Eg Name of Pile plan is Pplan1 and the result class name is
ULS result class, then the name of xml file will be pplan1ulsin.xml and
pplan1ulsout.xml.
Calculation process
First, for every CPT, the maximum bearing capacity (Rc;k) for a single pile is determined as the sum
of the maximum bearing capacity of the pile tip (Rb;k) and the maximum shaft friction force
(Rs;k). The following factor applies to the maximum shaft friction force:
EN 1997-1, 7.6.2.2 (12): '
= ';
'O;
The execution factor is not a fixed value here and is dependent on the soil type of the layer, as well as
on the depth of the relevant layer. For each layer, the program calculates the generated pile shaft
friction in that layer after defining the correct value of s for the relevant layer. Aggregation of the pile
shaft friction calculated per layer in this way for the layers affected by pile shaft friction produces the
eventual value of the maximum pile shaft friction.
Determining the circumference of the pile segment for which the maximum shaft friction force is
calculated as follows. If it involves a non-constant circumference, as is the case with tapered wooden
piles and piles with a reinforced tip, for example, the standard (NEN 6743, art. 5.4) does not actually
provide a solution. In that case, the program calculates the mean circumference of the relevant pile
segment.
Skin Friction zones

The essential requirements to calculate the positive and negative shaft friction resistance are specified
in NEN 6743.
For the positive skin friction zone, the bottom of that zone coincides with the pile tip level, and for a
prefabricated pile with a widened base, the top of that zone may never be above the widening (NEN
6743 art. 5.4).
For the negative skin friction zone, the top of this zone coincides with the ground level or excavation
level.
In order to satisfy these requirements in the bearing piles model, the skin friction zones are defined as
mentioned below:
The bottom of the positive skin friction zone automatically coincides with the pile tip level and
therefore does not have to be entered.
The top of the positive skin friction zone is specified by the user as a level relative to the
reference level
The top of the negative skin friction zone automatically coincides with the ground level or
excavation level and therefore does not have to be entered.
40
The bottom of the negative skin friction zone is specified by the user as a level relative to the
reference level.
Pile plan design

The required pile tip level is calculated in a user-defined pile tip trajectory. This trajectory is defined by
means of start and end limit (Defined in the Geotechnics setup page). The interval of trajectory
determines the number of calculations to be performed. When defining the trajectory the user need not
to adjust the levels of positive and negative skin friction. If needed, these levels are automatically
adjusted for each calculation step.
The value Rz is only considered for the design. The horizontal forces/ any possible rotations are
not considered for the design. The maximum load (from Rz) on the support is determined from all
the piles of selected pile plan. This load will be used for calculation of the pile tip level. This value is
used as a stopping criterion for the calculation.
As the level is detected by the program where the calculated net bearing capacity equals or
more than the maximum load the calculation is stopped and the program will display the calculated
capacity at this level.
If within the trajectory no level is found where the net bearing capacity meets the maximum load, the
program returns the pile tip level as zero and a warning The required bearing capacity is not
met within the trajectory, Hence the level can not be calculated.
If all the piles in the pile plan are subjected to tension, the program will not perform the design and
hence the pile tip level will not be calculated and a warning will be issued All the piles in the pile group
are subjected to tension. The design could not be performed for tension piles. The user defined level
will be used by the program.
If one or more piles in the pile plan are subjected to tension, the maximum load will be determined from
the other piles which are not subjected to tension. The design has been performed for this maximum
load and a warning is issued There are one or more piles in the pile plan subjected to tension
The pile tip level calculated by the program is updated in the pile plan library and the supports of all the
piles in the pile plan will be updated with this calculated level.
The drawing of piles in the 3D model will also get updated. The results can be viewed in the preview
window and in the document.
Any changes made in the Geotechnics setup /soil profile / soil will not affect the analysis results but
affects the pile design results. In such case, the user has to perform the pile plan design in order to get
the new results.
If there is any change in the model/load (i.e.) if the analysis results become invalid, the pile plan design
results are also not valid. In such case, the pile tip is automatically set as user defined level. The user
has to perform the analysis and the design in order to get the new results.
Check Pile plan verification

Properties in SCIA Engineer
The verification of bearing piles is performed based on the guidelines given by NEN 6740 and NEN
6743. This option is limited to NEN and EC-EN standards.
The verification is performed only for bearing piles which are subjected to static or quasi static loads
that cause compressive forces in the piles. The calculation of pile forces and pile displacements are

based on cone penetration test. Any possibility of tension in piles and horizontal displacements of piles
and/or pile plans are not taken into account.
The entire pile plan is considered during verification and the group effects are considered. The program
results the Load-settlement curve from ULS and SLS.
This option carries out all required calculations such as bearing capacity, settlement and negative skin
friction. After performing the analysis, the pile plan verification command will be enabled in the
Geotechnics service.
The following are the Prerequisites for performing the Pile plan design:
Model of the analysed structure must be properly defined
The reactions of the supports must be known.
The Pile tip Level(s) must have been set or calculated.
The procedure used for performing the verification is analogous to the procedure for evaluation of
results. In the tree menu of service Geotechnics, select the command Pile plan verification. Once the
command is selected, the appropriate parameters are listed in the Property window.
Selection
The user may perform the verification either on all pile plans or only selected pile
plans. The selection of pile plans is carried in a unique manner. The user may
select any one pile and all the piles belong to the selected pile plan will be
internally selected and the verification will be performed together for all the piles of
the pile plan.
Load type
Class
Pile plan verification will be performed only for the result classes.
Pile plan verification will be performed only for the result classes which have the
ULS and SLS combinations defined. The filtering will be done automatically by the
program and only the result classes which have the ULS & SLS combinations
will be made available. If no result class is defined by the user and only the
combinations are defined, the program automatically creates a result class with
ULS + SLS combination.
The verification will be performed for the selected pile plans. The calculation will be
done after the user presses the Refresh button. The results will be displayed in the
preview window.
To perform the verification, the design loads (ULS & SLS) on all the piles of the
pile plan are considered. The result of this calculation is the Load settlement curve

and the settlement at tip.
Store result
This check box will allow the user to store the input and output xml files which are
used for Pile design / verification by the program. This will enable the user to
enhance the pile design in MFoundation as this will offer the possibility to create a
project using this xml file.
Path
The user has to select the folder in which the input and output xml of the pile plans
are to be stored.
The name of the file will be automatically set by the program - Name of Pile plan
and the result class. Eg Name of Pile plan is Pplan1 and the result class name is
ULSSLS result class, then the name of xml file will be pplan1ulsslsin.xml and
pplan1ulsslsout.xml.
Calculation process
First, for every CPT, the maximum bearing capacity (Rc;k) for a single pile is determined: see also
previous paragraph.
Secondly, the maximum bearing capacity of the foundation is determined. Here, the number of
piles, the number of CPTs and whether the structure may be considered as rigid or not (NEN 6743, art.
5.2.2) play a role.
In case of a rigid structure, regardless of the number of CPTs, the program calculates the maximum
bearing capacity of the foundation based on the average bearing capacity of a single pile, multiplied by
the total number of piles, since the foundation element contains all of the piles.
In case of a non-rigid structure, determination of the maximum bearing capacity of the foundation
depends on the number of CPTs. If there are more than three CPTs, the definition is again based on
the average bearing capacity of a single pile, whereas if there are three CPTs or less, the minimum
bearing capacity of a single pile is used. In this case, the bearing capacity of a single pile is not
multiplied by the total number of piles because the foundation element consists of a single pile.
Pile verification results:

The results can be viewed in the preview window and the document. The load settlement curves are
updated in the pile plan library.
Load settlement curves:

If the problem fully meets all the verification requirements, both the load settlement curves will be
generated. If not the curves may not be generated and warning is issued.
Non Linear Functions

If support non-linearity functionality is selected, a new action button will be enabled in the Pile plan
library after the pile verification.

After pile verification, the program will enable the user to generate Non linear functions from load
settlement curves using an action button. The generated functions can be associated to the supports
[type Z].
This action button will generate the two non-linear functions each from ULS Load settlement curve and
SLS Load settlement curve.
If the type Z is set as Nonlinear, the program will set the default function from SLS. The stiffness value
is also proposed for the function.The stiffness of the pile is taken as the secant defined by zero point
and the point in the middle of the curve.
Recalculating the entire structure using these non-linear functions will improve the overall results, itself
leading to new loads on the piles. With these loads, the process of pile-design, verification and
calculation of the entire structure can be repeated to optimize the total design.
Output tables
All the output tables of Pile design are made available in the standard document service of SCIA
Engineer. The output tables include the libraries (soil, Soil profile, Pile plan) and the design/verification
results.
Soil profile-CPT
Input data
1. Soil Profile-CPT
Name
CPT1
Profile Type
CPT Import
Interpretation tool
Interpretation
tool
Minimum layer thickness [m]
Phreatic level [m]
Overconsolidation ratio of bearing layer

Top of positive skin friction zone [m]
Bottom of negative skin friction zone [m]
Expected ground level settlement [m]
Profile Data
1. Soil Profile-CPT
Top level
Soil name
Description
-0.85
Cl,or,we
Clay, organ, weak
-3.475
Pe,npl,w
Peat, not preloaded, weak
-5.495
Pe,mpl,m
[m]
-7.515
Cl,or,m
Peat, mod preloaded,

moderate
-11.552
Cl,cl,st
Clay, clean, stiff
-13.57
Sa,vsi,l
-17.604
Lo,vsa,s
-19.619
Lo,ssa,w
Loam,slightly sandy weak
-21.633
Cl,vsa,s
-23.646
Cl,or,m
-25.657
Cl,cl,we
Clay, clean, weak
-27.666
Cl,cl,st
Clay, clean, stiff
-29.672
Cl,cl,we
Clay, clean, weak
1
-1
-0.85
0.11
Profile Diagram
Soil
The soils used in the soil profile are filtered and displayed along with the properties.
2. Soil
Name
Description
Soil
Type
Gamma
Unsaturated
[kN/m3]
Gamma
Saturated
[kN/m3]
Friction angle
Median
Gr,ssi,m
Gravel, slightly silty, moderate
Gravel
19.00
21.00
[deg]
37.50
[mm]
0.20
Sa,ssi,m
Sand, slightly silty, moderate
Sand
19.00
21.00
32.50
0.20
Sa,vsi,l
Sand
19.00
21.00
30.00
0.20
Sa,cl,st
Sand, clean, stiff
Sand
20.00
22.00
40.00
0.20
Lo,ssa,w
Loam,slightly sandy weak
Loam
20.00
20.00
30.00
0.20
Lo,vsa,s
Loam
20.00
20.00
35.00
0.20
Cl,cl,st
Clay, clean, stiff
Clay
20.00
20.00
25.00
0.20
Cl,cl,we
Clay, clean, weak
Clay
17.00
17.00
17.50
0.20
Cl,ssa,m
Clay, slightly sandy, moderate
Clay
20.00
20.00
22.50
0.20
Cl,vsa,s
Clay
20.00
20.00
32.50
0.20
Cl,or,m
Clay
16.00
16.00
15.00
0.20
Cl,or,we
Clay, organ, weak
Clay
15.00
15.00
15.00
0.20
Pe,npl,w
Peat, not preloaded, weak
Peat
12.00
12.00
15.00
0.20
Pe,mpl,m
Peat, mod preloaded, moderate
Peat
13.00
13.00
15.00
0.20
Pile plan
Pile data
1. Pile Plan
Name
SoilProfile_CPT
Pile definition
Pile Type
Material
Level type
PPlan1
CPT1,
Rect 500 X 500
PrefabConcrete
Concrete
Calculated Level
Piletip level
[m]
-13.000
Load settlement curves
Pile plan design

Name
PPlan1
PictureULS
PictureSLS
Linear calculation, Extreme : Node

Selection : All
Class : All ULS
Note1: The design/verification is performed only for bearing piles which are subjected to static or quasi
static loads that cause compressive forces in the piles. The calculation of pile forces and pile
displacements are based on cone penetration test. Any possibility of tension in piles and horizontal
displacements of piles and/or pile plans are not taken into account.
Note2: In Pile Design (preliminary design), a single pile is always assumed and the calculations
performed are based on a single pile for ULS. Any possible pile plan is disregarded when using the Pile
design option. Hence a non-rigid superstructure is assumed and pile group effects are not considered.
Pile Design check
Pile Design check
Type
Name
Pile plan id
Pile design
PPlan1
Case
NC1
Nodes
N1,N3,N5,N7,
Pile plan
name
Rect 500 X 580
Pile tip level
Net bearing capacity at advised level
Rz
[m]
[kN]
[kN]
-10
365
272.01
Pile plan verification

Linear calculation
Selection : All
Class : All ULS+SLS
Note1: The design/verification is performed only for bearing piles which are subjected to static or quasi
static loads that cause compressive forces in the piles. The calculation of pile forces and pile
displacements are based on cone penetration test. Any possibility of tension in piles and horizontal

ULS
Type Name
Pile plan id
Case
CPT
Total load
Pile plan name
[kN]
Pile
verification
PPlan1
NC1
CPT1
Pile plan id
Case
CPT
Pile tip level
Settlement at tip-Wtip
[m]
[mm]
272.01
Rect 500 X 580
-10.00
7.70
Total load
Pile plan name
Pile tip level
Settlement at tip-Wtip
[m]
[mm]
SLS
Type Name
[kN]
Pile
verification
PPlan1
NC1
CPT1
206.68
Rect 500 X 580
-10.00
2.20
Limitations for Pile Design in SCIA Engineer

In pile design (NEN method) functionality some limitations are applied. This functionality is based on
the guidelines given by Dutch standards NEN 6740 and NEN 6743.
Functionality Soil
profile
This functionality is made available only for the EC-EN and NEN standards.
The soil profiles could be generated only using a valid CPT data and the
CPT data should only be in gef (Geotechnical exchange format) file. No
other format is supported.
The user interface for the generation of soil profile does support only
English language. Other languages are not supported in this special dialog.
The position of CPT (soil profiles) can be defined only in the user
coordinates systems (UCS). The GPS coordinates of the project can not
defined and hence the GPS co-ordinates of CPT can not be used.
Interpretation Tool
The interpretation tool used for generating the soil profile is NEN rule
(Stress Dependent). Any tool other than NEN can not be defined or used.
The soil types defined by the NEN rule alone are used by the interpretation
tool and the user defined soils are not used. The user can edit the
interpreted soil profile with the user defined soils.
Pile plan
The special dialog for definition of Pile plan does support only English. All
the parameters required by this dialog are based on NEN.
Design/verification
The design/verification is performed only for bearing piles which are

subjected to static or quasi static loads that cause compressive forces in the
piles. The calculation of pile forces and pile displacements are based on
cone penetration test. Any possibility of tension in piles and horizontal
In Pile Design, a single pile is always assumed and the calculations
performed are based on a single pile for ULS. Any possible pile plan is
disregarded when using the Pile design option. Hence a non-rigid
superstructure is assumed and pile group effects are not considered.
49
Soilin - Settlements
This option is an extra option, available in SCIA Engineer.
In SCIA Engineer the stiffness of the soil is calculated with C1 and C2 parameters, as shown below in
the figures:
The parameter C1X, C1y and C1z will represent a linear stiffness;
S = vS yS
This is the Winkler Model (or also called Heavy Liquid model).
This model can be extended with the Pasternak model (2 constants model). The springs between the
points of the soil are now connected with this value. So a point load in a certain point, will also give a
deformation a bit further in the X and Y direction.
The calculation of those parameters is not easy, but it could be done by the module Soilin of SCIA
Engineer.
The principle has not been implemented in SCIA Engineer following the Eurocode and so this is not
explained further in this course.
References
[1]
EN 1997-1
Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design Part 1: General rules
CEN, 2004.
[2]
Frank R., Baudoin C., Driscoll R., Kavvadas M., Krebs Ovesen N., Orr T.,
Schuppener B., Designers Guide to EN 1997-1 Eurocode 7: Geotechnical
design Part 1: General rules, Thomas Telford, 2004.
[3]
Schneider K.-J., Bautabellen fr Ingenieure, 13. Auflage, Werner Verlag,

1998.
[4]
EN 1990, Eurocode Basis of Structural Design, CEN, 2002.
[5]
Lambe T., Whitman R., Soil Mechanics, MIT, John Wiley & Sons, Inc,
1969.
[6]
EN 1997-1:2004/AC:2009 Correction Sheet

Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design Part 1: General rules
CEN, 2009.
[7]
Pad_Foundation_Theory_enu
SCIA
[8]
NEN-EN 1997-1/NB
National Annex to NEN-EN 1997-1: Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design
Part 1: General rules
2008
51

(Eng) Eurocode Training - 1997 11

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

(Eng) Eurocode Training - 1997 11

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

(Eng) Eurocode Training - 1997 11

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Eurocode Training

EN 1997 in SCIA Engineer

Eurocode Training EN 1997

Eurocode Training EN 1997

Eurocode Training - EN 1997

Basis of structural design

Design of concrete structures

Design of steel structures

Design of composite steel and concrete structures

Design of timber structures

Design of masonry structures

Design of structures for earthquake resistance

Design of aluminium structures

Geotechnical design Part 1: General Rules

Geotechnical design Part 2: Ground investigation and testing

In this manual only EN 1997-1 is discussed.

National annex for EN 1997-1

Eurocode Training EN 1997

Eurocode Training - EN 1997

2. Basis of geotechnical design

read from Subsoil Library

read from National Annex Setup

c read from Subsoil Library

cu read from Subsoil Library

specific weight read from Library

read from National Annex Setup

Backfill weight read from Pad foundation input Data

A final safety factor which needs to be determined concerns the safety

Ultimate Limit State

Loss of equilibrium of the structure or the ground (EQU)

Eurocode Training EN 1997

Combination: (A1* or A2**) + M2 + R3

For Design Approach 2, in all cases sets M1 & R2 are used.

For Design Approach 3, in all cases sets M2 & R3 are used.

Eurocode Training - EN 1997

Partial factors on actions or the effects on actions Set A1-A2

Partial factors for soil parameters Set M1-M2

Partial resistance factors Set R1-R3

Eurocode Training EN 1997

Design approaches in SCIA Engineer

Also all tabulated factors can be adapted here.

Eurocode Training - EN 1997

The following limit states shall be considered in this chapter:

Loss of overall stability

Eurocode Training EN 1997

Properties of the Pad Foundation

Eurocode Training - EN 1997

In this picture the following notations are used:

Vertical Rz reaction of the support

Horizontal Rx or Ry reaction of the support

Moment Mx or My reaction of the support

Eurocode Training EN 1997

The eccentricity e is calculated as follows:

For a general 3D case this formula is written as:

The density of the block depends on the Water table level.

The Water Density W is taken as 9,81 kN/m

2) The weight of the backfill around h2, GBackfill,Around

The backfill density Backfill,d is specified in Ground properties

The density of the backfill depends on the Water table level.