PLAXIS MoDeTo Manual 2018

PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

Edited by:

S. Panagoulias
PLAXIS bv, The Netherlands

R.B.J. Brinkgreve
Delft University of Technology & PLAXIS bv, The Netherlands

L. Zampich
PLAXIS bv, The Netherlands

With co-operation of:

H. J. Burd
B. W. Byrne
A. Chesaru
S. Hosseini
M. Lahoz
R. A. McAdam
N. A. Rooms

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 IMPORTANT WARNING AND DISCLAIMER

PLAXIS MoDeTo is a program for specific geotechnical/structural applications in

which soil models are used to simulate the soil behaviour. The PLAXIS MoDeTo
code and its soil models have been developed with great care. Although a lot of
testing and validation have been performed, it cannot be guaranteed that the
PLAXIS MoDeTo code is free of errors. Moreover, the simulation of geotechnical
problems involves some inevitable numerical and modelling errors. The accuracy
at which reality is approximated depends highly on the expertise of the user
regarding the modelling of the problem, the understanding of the soil models and
their limitations, the selection of model parameters, and the ability to judge the
reliability of the computational results. Hence, PLAXIS MoDeTo may only be used
by professionals that possess the aforementioned expertise. The user must be
aware of his/her responsibility when he/she uses the computational results for
geotechnical and structural design purposes. No warranty, expressed or implied, is
offered as to the accuracy of results from PLAXIS MoDeTo, its documentation or
its fitness for a particular purpose. Plaxis bv nor its officers or employees can be
held responsible or liable for design errors that are based on PLAXIS MoDeTo
calculations or documentation.

Trademark
Windows® is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
PLAXIS is a registered trademark of the PLAXIS company (Plaxis bv).

Copyright PLAXIS program by:

Plaxis bv P.O. Box 572, 2600 AN DELFT, Netherlands
Fax: +31 (0)15 257 3107; E-mail: [email protected]; Internet site: www.plaxis.nl
These manuals may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, by photo-copy or print or any other means, without
written permission from Plaxis bv.

ISBN-13: 978-90-76016-25-2
© 2018 Plaxis bv
Printed in the Netherlands

PLAXIS MoDeTo | PLAXIS MoDeTo Manual 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 General Information 6
1.1 Preface 6
1.2 PLAXIS products and services 8
1.3 Short overview of features 10
1.4 Installation 11
1.5 Troubleshooting 12
1.6 Third Party Software Licenses/Notices 13

2 Reference manual 14
2.1 Introduction 14
2.1.1 The PISA project 14
2.1.2 The design methodology 14
2.1.3 Interoperability with PLAXIS 3D 15
2.1.4 The 1D FE model 16
2.1.5 The components of PLAXIS MoDeTo 17
2.1.6 Graphical user interface 18
2.1.7 Useful terminology 19
2.2 General information 20
2.2.1 Using PLAXIS MoDeTo with and without PLAXIS 3D 20
2.2.2 Program layout 20
2.2.3 New project 22
2.2.4 Open project 23
2.2.5 Menus in the menu bar 23
2.2.6 Units and sign convention 23
2.2.7 Automatic saving 25
2.2.8 Help facilities 25
2.3 Soil mode 26
2.3.1 Soil mode layout 26
2.3.2 Material types 26
2.3.3 Creating soil layers 28
2.4 Calibration mode 29
2.4.1 Calibration mode layout 30
2.4.2 Geometry datasets (GeoDS) 31
2.4.3 Structural and material properties 38
2.4.4 Results inspection pane 38
2.4.5 Recommended workflow 47
2.5 Analysis mode 48
2.5.1 Depth variation functions 48
2.5.2 Monopile geometry 49
2.5.3 Structural properties 50
2.5.4 Workload (monopile head) 50
2.5.5 Thickness variation 51
2.5.6 Expert settings 53
2.5.7 Calculate 54
2.5.8 Results inspection pane 55
2.6 Results mode 59
2.6.1 Workload and load factor 59
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.6.2 Graph tab 60

2.6.3 Table tab 61
2.6.4 Accuracy metric η 62

3 Tutorial manual 64
3.1 Tutorial - numerical based design 64
3.1.1 Input 66
3.1.2 Verification of the calibration procedure 71
3.1.3 Final design 73
3.1.4 Verification of the final design 74

4 Scientific manual 76
4.1 Introduction 76
4.2 Material models 76
4.2.1 Clay: NGI-ADP material parameters 76
4.2.2 Sand: HSsmall material parameters 77
4.3 PLAXIS 3D models 79
4.3.1 Generating 3D models 79
4.3.2 Soft beam properties 82
4.3.3 Soil reaction curves 83
4.3.4 Results inspection pane 84
4.4 Optimisation module 85
4.5 Plain text file format rules 88
4.5.1 Format: depth variation functions 88
4.6 1D FE model 90
4.6.1 Formulation of the 1D FE model 90
4.6.2 Implementation aspects of the 1D FE model 95
4.7 Results mode 98
4.7.1 Realised H 98
4.7.2 Realised M 98
4.7.3 Load factor 99
4.7.4 Accuracy metric η 99
4.7.5 H -v and M -ψ plots 99
4.7.6 v (z) and ψ(z) plots 100
4.7.7 su (z) and σ 'v 0 (z) 101
4.7.8 p(z) plot 101

5 References 102

Appendix A - Third party software licenses/notices 104

Appendix B - Warnings and errors 126

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PREFACE

PLAXIS MoDeTo is a software program, developed for the analysis and design of
monopiles used as foundation elements for offshore wind turbines, under lateral loading
conditions.
It is a part of the PLAXIS product range, a suite of finite element programs that is used
worldwide for geotechnical engineering and design.
PLAXIS MoDeTo is based on the results of the Pile Soil Analysis (PISA) research project.
The PISA project is aimed at investigating and developing improved design methods for
laterally loaded piles, specifically tailored to the offshore wind sector. It is a joint industry
project led by DONG Energy (nowadays named Ørsted) and run through the Carbon
Trust's Offshore Wind Accelerator programme.
The main aim of the PISA project is to develop a new design methodology for offshore
wind turbine monopile foundations, to overcome the shortcomings of the current
methods. The project focuses on the use of numerical finite element modelling to develop
the new design method, which is validated through a campaign of large scale field tests.
PLAXIS MoDeTo can be used as a stand-alone tool for the rule-based design method
and in connection with PLAXIS 3D for the numerical-based design method, as defined in
the PISA research project.
The development of PLAXIS MoDeTo was performed by Plaxis bv, in collaboration with
Oxford University (Profs. Burd, Byrne, Houlsby, Martin, McAdam), Imperial College
London (Profs. Jardine, Potts, Zdravkovic, and Dr. Taborda) and University College
Dublin (Prof. Gavin). Collaboration with Fugro, as a designer of offshore foundations, is
also acknowledged.
Goals and objectives: PLAXIS MoDeTo is intended to provide a tool for practical
analysis and design of monopiles to be used by geotechnical engineers who are not
necessarily numerical specialists. Quite often practising professional engineers consider
non-linear computations cumbersome and time-consuming. The PLAXIS research and
development team has addressed this issue by designing robust and theoretically sound
computational procedures, which are encapsulated in a logical and easy-to-use shell. As
a result, many geotechnical engineers world-wide have adopted the PLAXIS products
and are using them for engineering and design purposes.
Scientific network: The development of the PLAXIS products would not be possible
without worldwide research at universities and research institutes. To ensure that the
high technical standard of PLAXIS is maintained and that new technology is adopted, the
development team is in contact with a large network of researchers in the field of
geo-engineering and numerical methods.
Direct support is obtained from a series of research centres:

Delft University of Technology, Civil Prof. Michael Hicks, Prof. Bert Sluys
Engineering (NL)

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 GENERAL INFORMATION

Delft University of Technology, Mathematics Prof. Kees Vuik

& Informatics (NL)
Deltares (NL) Mr. Mark Post, Dr. Cor Zwanenburg
BundesAnstalt für Wasserbau (DE) Dr. Michael Heibaum, Mr. Oliver Stelzer
Technical University, Graz (AT) Prof. Helmut Schweiger, Dr. Franz
Tschuchnigg
Univ. of Grenoble, Laboratoire 3R (FR) Prof. Cino Viggiani
University of Oxford (UK) Prof. Harvey Burd, Prof. Byron Byrne, Prof.
Ross McAdam
Chalmers University of Technology (S) Prof. Minna Karstunen, Dr. Mats Olsson,
Dr. Anders Kullingsjö
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) Prof. Andrew Whittle
University of California at Berkeley (USA) Prof. Juan Pestana
Northwestern University (USA) Prof. Richard Finno
Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champain (USA) Prof. Youssef Hashash
California Department of Transportation Dr. Anoosh Shamsabadi
(USA)
Norwegian Univ. of Science and Tech (NO) Prof. Steinar Nordal, Prof. Gustav
Grimstad
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NO) Dr. Lars Andresen, Prof. Hans Petter
Jostad, Dr. Nallathamby Sivasithamparam
Technical University of Catalunya (ES) Prof. Antonio Gens, Prof. Eduardo Alonso
National University of Singapore (SG) Prof. Harry Tan
Sapienza University of Rome (IT) Prof. Angelo Amorosi
Ain Shams University, Cairo (EG) Prof. Yasser El-Mossallamy
Technical University, Dresden (DE) Prof. Ivo Herle
Charles University, Prague (CZ) Prof. David Mašin
University of Tampere (FI) Prof. Tim Lansivaara
Ruhr University, Bochum (DE) Prof. Tom Schanz †, Prof. Günther
Meschke
National Technical University, Athens (GR) Prof. George Gazetas, Dr. Nikos
Gerolymos
University of Washington (USA) Prof. Steven Kramer, Prof. Pedro Arduino
University of Liege (BE) Prof. Christophe Geuzaine
INSA-Lyon (FR) Prof. Yves Renard
University of British Columbia (CA) Prof. Mahdi Taiebat
University of Bologna (IT) Prof. Daniela Boldini

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

This support is gratefully acknowledged.

The editors

1.2 PLAXIS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Update versions and new releases of PLAXIS, containing various new features, are
released frequently. In addition, courses and user meetings are organised on a regular
basis. Registered users receive detailed information about new developments and other
activities. Valuable user information is provided by means of the Plaxis bulletin and the
website www.plaxis.nl.
PLAXIS 2D: A large range of geotechnical problems may be analysed using this high
capacity version. It is possible to use extensive 2D finite element meshes. PLAXIS 2D is
supplied as an extended package, including static elastoplastic deformation, advanced
soil models, stability analysis, consolidation, updated mesh analysis (large deformations)
and steady-state groundwater flow.
PLAXIS 3D: PLAXIS 3D is a geotechnical finite element program with a full 3D
pre-processor that allows CAD objects to be imported and further processed within a
geotechnical context. The program is supplied as an extended package, including static
elastoplastic deformation, advanced soil models, stability analysis, consolidation,
updated mesh analysis and steady-state groundwater flow.
PLAXIS MoDeTo: PLAXIS MoDeTo is a software package for the analysis and design
of monopiles as foundation elements for offshore wind turbines, under lateral loading
conditions. MoDeTo can be used as a stand-alone tool for the rule-based design method
and in connection with PLAXIS 3D for the numerical-based design method, as defined in
the PISA research project. In the latter case, soil reaction curves, used in the
one-dimensional finite element model of MoDeTo, are derived and calibrated from the
results of a series of 3D finite element calculations performed in PLAXIS 3D.
Dynamics: Dynamics is an add-on module to PLAXIS 2D and PLAXIS 3D. This module
may be used to analyse vibrations in the soil and their influence on nearby structures as
well as for geotechnical earthquake analysis. Excess pore pressures can be analysed.
Liquefaction can be analysed by using one of the available liquefaction models
(UBC3D-PLM or PM4Sand) The latter model (PM4Sand) is available as a user-defined
soil model. (UBC3D-PLM is nowadays a standard model). Besides short-term
(undrained) dynamic analysis, the PLAXIS 2D dynamic module includes dynamics with
simultaneous consolidation of excess pore pressures. Dynamic calculations can also be
executed taking large deformation effects (updated mesh) into account.
PlaxFlow: PlaxFlow is an add-on module to PLAXIS 2D and PLAXIS 3D. This module
may be used for the analysis of fully coupled flow deformation analysis, steady-state and
transient groundwater flow. The module incorporates sophisticated models for saturated /
unsaturated groundwater flow, using the well-known "Van Genuchten" relations between
pore pressure, saturation and permeability. It provides state-of-the-art facilities to
incorporate time-dependent boundary conditions. The Barcelona Basic model for
unsaturated soil behaviour is available as a user-defined soil model upon request.
Thermal: Thermal is an add-on module to PLAXIS 2D. This module may be used for the

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 GENERAL INFORMATION

analysis of fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical analysis, steady-state and transient

thermal flow.
PLAXIS VIP: PLAXIS VIP is an additional subscription system on top of the professional
software licenses. PLAXIS VIP members benefit from the latest releases of their PLAXIS
software maintenance and support from Plaxis technical experts. In addition, some
features of PLAXIS programs are only available for PLAXIS VIP members. An overview
of these features and more information about PLAXIS VIP are available at the website
www.plaxis.nl.
User support: Priority technical support is provided by e-mail for members of PLAXIS
VIP. A professional helpdesk is available for clients who wish to obtain prompt and
extensive technical and scientific support.
PLAXIS Demo CD: An introductory version of PLAXIS software is available for
interested persons who wish to learn about the program features and capabilities before
ordering the software. The PLAXIS Demo CD is based on PLAXIS software but there is a
limited number of material sets and calculation phases. In addition, it is not possible to
copy or print. A Tutorial Manual with examples specifically generated for the PLAXIS
Demo CD is included.
PLAXIS Academy: Under the PLAXIS Academy educational program several courses,
trainings, seminars, webinars and workshops are organized through out the year at
different locations all over the world.
PLAXIS Courses PLAXIS Courses consist of a mixture of lectures and hands-on
computer analyses making the courses more than just a
software training. The aim of both teaching and exercises is to
concentrate on the use and background of advanced methods in
geotechnical engineering. The principle of PLAXIS Courses is
that they will give ongoing education and knowledge transfer for
which the use of the PLAXIS software is only a tool to explain the
topics learned.
There are two levels of courses, Standard and Advanced. The
Standard Courses are meant for those who have little or no
experience with PLAXIS and focuses on the engineering aspects
of the use of finite element method. The Advanced Courses on
the other hand assume a certain level of experience and
therefore go deeper into the theoretical background.
PLAXIS Trainings The PLAXIS Trainings focus on developing knowledge on the
use of PLAXIS Software. This is considered the main topic and
any technical lecture is just to support and illustrate the use of
the software. Under PLAXIS Trainings we distinguish between a
PLAXIS Training (multi-day), a PLAXIS Workshop (1-day) or
PLAXIS Seminar (without any hands-on training with the
software).
PLAXIS Expert Services: PLAXIS Expert Services are professional services
exclusively meant for users of PLAXIS software. The purpose of this service is to help
our clients on any FE modelling related issue such that they can be assisted with in their
simulation work and improve their own modelling capabilities. PLAXIS Expert Services
provides high-level technical assistance with advanced finite element modelling issues,

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

fit-for-purpose training courses which can be customized to your specific requirements,

and personal mentoring with on-call simulation expertise.
PLAXIS Customisation: These professional services are aimed at specific user
requirements in addition to the standard PLAXIS functionality. Customisation may not
necessarily involve specific features in PLAXIS, it merely deals with functionality to
interact with the software (using the PLAXIS Application Programming Interface) to make
it more suitable or efficient for particular applications, or to integrate it with the user's
work environment. Examples of possible customization projects are:
• Import of soil data from data bases and translation into PLAXIS model parameters
• Fast creation of PLAXIS models for standard applications (foundations, excavations,
embankments, piles) based on templates
• Facilitating parameter variations for sensitivity analysis, probabilistic analysis,
parameter optimisation or inverse analysis
• Implementation of specific constitutive models as user-defined soil model
PLAXIS Bulletin: An international bulletin, issued periodically, is provided to all
registered PLAXIS users. This bulletin contains descriptions of practical projects in which
PLAXIS has been used, backgrounds on the use of advanced soil models, information on
new developments, hints for optimised usage of the program and a diary of activities.
Ideas and experiences with the PLAXIS programs are highly appreciated.
Website: The Plaxis website www.plaxis.nl is the main source of information about the
latest news, events, products and services. Besides this information on the site includes
a support section and Knowledge Base, an extensive library with a collection of bulletins,
publications, models and much more. Via the website it is also possible to purchase
product and register for events. Visit the site on a regular basis to stay in contact with
Plaxis.
For more information on products and user's services, contact:
Plaxis bv
P.O. Box 572
NL-2600 AN Delft
The Netherlands
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.plaxis.nl

1.3 SHORT OVERVIEW OF FEATURES

PLAXIS MoDeTo is a software package intended for the design of monopiles as

foundation elements for offshore wind turbines under lateral loading conditions. As a
design tool, it includes a highly efficient one-dimensional finite element calculation model
based on the Timoshenko beam theory to model the monopile, and non-linear soil
reaction curves to model the soil response. PLAXIS MoDeTo also facilitates the efficient
generation and calculation of a series of PLAXIS 3D models for the calibration of soil
reaction curves and for checking final monopile designs. The calibration process is fully
automated. A brief summary of the important features of PLAXIS MoDeTo is given below.
Input of soil stratigraphy: Based on a preliminary selection of either clay-type or

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 GENERAL INFORMATION

sand-type soils, PLAXIS MoDeTo facilitates the efficient input of basic soil properties in
layers.
Generation of PLAXIS 3D models: Monopiles can be defined by only a few geometric
parameters. Based on geometric data sets, together with the soil stratigraphy, PLAXIS
3D finite element models are automatically generated and calculated, with the purpose to
extract the soil response under lateral loading conditions. This requires the presence of a
compatible PLAXIS 3D VIP license.
Visualisation option: A convenient visualisation option is available to preview and
check each generated model in PLAXIS 3D before starting the calculation process.
Modification of generated models: Generated models can be modified in PLAXIS 3D,
if desired, provided that the modified model represents the same situation as originally
created in PLAXIS MoDeTo. It is possible to change the soil constitutive models used in
PLAXIS 3D. Any constitutive model can be used in place of the default selection,
including user-defined soil models.
Calibration of soil reaction curves: Soil reaction curves, used in PLAXIS MoDeTo
design calculations, are automatically calibrated based on the extracted soil response
from the PLAXIS 3D models. In addition to conventional non-linear p-y curves for lateral
loading, PLAXIS MoDeTo provides additional moment-rotation reactions along the pile
shaft as well as shear and moment reactions at the pile base, according to the PISA
design methodology.
Efficient 1D design calculations: Using the calibrated (or user-defined) soil reaction
curves, PLAXIS MoDeTo enables a quick design calculation and optimisation of monopile
dimensions under lateral loading conditions; both for SLS and ULS design. Calculations
are based on Timoshenko beam theory, encapsulated in the build-in one-dimensional
finite element model. PLAXIS MoDeTo can run as a stand-alone package to perform 1D
design calculations without the need to have other PLAXIS software installed.
Presentation of results: PLAXIS MoDeTo facilitates the presentation of various results
in both graphical and tabulated format. Results can be copied to clipboard and printed.

1.4 INSTALLATION

• Insert the MoDeTo installation USB stick into the computer.

• Select Open folder to view files, or open the drive assigned to this USB device.
• Select the 'PlaxisMoDeToSetup.exe' application.
• A screen appears, which will guide the user through the rest of the installation
process.
• When asked for user name and registration code please refer to the sticker on the
back of this booklet. The registration data is spacing and case sensitive.
• With the CodeMeter dongle attached to the computer, the PLAXIS MoDeTo software
is now ready for use.
Local dongle installation: PLAXIS MoDeTo continuously checks for the presence of
the dongle that is included in the package. The dongle must be inserted in a USB port of
the computer. Normally a device driver for the dongle is installed during the setup. The

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

document 'CodeMeterInstallation.pdf' can be found on the Knowledge base on the

PLAXIS website.
Network dongle installation: Alternatively it is possible to use a shared multiple license
dongle over the network. The document 'CodeMeterInstallation.pdf' can be found on the
Knowledge base on the PLAXIS website.
Program uninstall and install: Should you wish to uninstall or reinstall PLAXIS
MoDeTo you can use the Windows Add/Remove programs utility from the Control Panel.

1.5 TROUBLESHOOTING

In exceptional cases the installation program fails to install the PLAXIS package. Some
possible error messages during the execution of the program are:
• The program starts with a message and then closes immediately
• Codemeter problems with IP protocol
• When running PLAXIS MoDeTo for the first time warning about missing
VCRUNTIME140.dll file pops up
The appropriate actions to be taken on the problems are described below:
Program starts with a message and then closes immediately: Make sure that the
dongle is inserted in a USB port of the computer. In addition, make sure that the latest
drivers are installed. These can be found on the PLAXIS website: www.plaxis.nl in the
Downloads section. Download the drivers for the right system type (32-bit or 64-bit
Operating System).
Codemeter problem with IP protocol: As Codemeter dongles require IP protocol and
firewalls may prevent this, the firewall should explicitly allow the Codemeter dongles over
the IP port. To allow this, one can allow both TCP and UDP protocol for port 22352.
A more detailed description is given in the document "CodeMeterInstallation.pdf" can be
found on the Knowledge base on the PLAXIS website.
When running the program for the first time warning about missing
VCRUNTIME140.dll file:
When running PLAXIS MoDeTo for the first time, there might appear a warning message
about missing VCRUNTIME140.dll file. In this case, please install the Microsoft Visual
C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio from the Microsoft website
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download.
Other issues may be related to the following:
Antivirus - Whitelist recommendation: It is recommended to add pythonw.exe to the
antivirus whitelist to prevent it from being blocked.
Problems with relaunching the program: If PLAXIS MoDeTo cannot be relaunched,
please make sure to terminate the PlaxisMoDeTo.exe, to ensure a clean restart.
Disk storage: The PLAXIS 3D files generated via PLAXIS MoDeTo may have a size of
several GB. Please ensure that your working station has enough storage space available.

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 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.6 THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE LICENSES/NOTICES

PLAXIS software makes use of and contains certain third party software (components).
As a condition of the use of this third party software, we are obliged to also distribute the
specific terms and conditions that apply to the use of it and that may differ from or are
additional to PLAXIS' own conditions as they are contained in the PLAXIS User License
Agreement. These terms and conditions of the third party software used, are deemed to
form an integral part of the PLAXIS User License Agreement and thus of the right to use
the PLAXIS software. The current applicable license terms of the third party software
used can be found in Appendix A.

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2 REFERENCE MANUAL

2.1 INTRODUCTION

PLAXIS MoDeTo (Monopile Design Tool) is a PLAXIS-based specific tool providing an

enhanced design methodology for monopile foundations under lateral loading. Monopile
design can be performed efficiently by using one-dimensional (1D) finite element (FE)
analyses of a laterally loaded pile. The adopted design methodology is based on the PIle
Soil Analysis (PISA) joint industry research project.
The monopile is modelled by means of the Timoshenko beam theory whereas the soil
reaction is modelled using calibrated or user-defined soil reaction curves. The calibration
of the soil reactions is based on three-dimensional (3D) finite element calculations using
PLAXIS 3D. In addition to the 1D design analysis, the design tool facilitates the
generation and calculation of the PLAXIS 3D models, and the derivation of the soil
reactions based on the calculation results. A real installation site can be represented with
finite element models in PLAXIS 3D and a site-specific 1D model can be calibrated and
used for the design of monopile foundations.

2.1.1 THE PISA PROJECT

The PISA project was a research study (2013-2016) on the development of new design
procedures for monopile foundations for offshore wind turbine applications. The project
consisted of field testing, numerical modelling and design model development. The
research was conducted by an Academic Work Group drawn from the University of
Oxford, Imperial College London and University College Dublin and was conducted in
collaboration with a range of project partners. Ørsted (then DONG Energy) took the lead
role for the partners. The broad scope of the PISA study is summarised in recent
conference publications (e.g. Byrne et al., 2018a, Byrne et al., 2017, Burd et al., 2017,
Byrne et al., 2015a, Byrne et al., 2015b, Zdravkovic et al., 2015). One outcome of this
study is a one-dimensional (1D) design model, based on the use of Timoshenko beam
theory, that overcomes certain limitations of existing methods (Burd et al., 2018, Byrne et
al., 2018b).
PLAXIS MoDeTo provides a means of implementing the PISA design method in a daily
engineering context, for the design of monopile foundations for offshore wind turbines
(Panagoulias et al., 2018a, Panagoulias et al., 2018b), including large diameter
monopiles.

2.1.2 THE DESIGN METHODOLOGY

The PISA project resulted in a new design methodology, which employs rapid, 1D design
calculations, based on the use of the Timoshenko beam theory to model the behaviour of
an embedded monopile under lateral loading. Additional components of soil reaction are
integrated in the design model to enhance its performance. The pile self weight and any
additional vertical loads are not taken into account as primarily lateral loading and not
vertical loading is considered.
The proposed design method consists of two alternative design procedures (Byrne et al.,
2017), both incorporated in the design tool. PLAXIS MoDeTo can be used as a
stand-alone tool for the rule-based design method and in connection with PLAXIS 3D for

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 REFERENCE MANUAL

the numerical-based design method.

Rule-based design
In the rule-based design approach, soil reaction is defined via mathematical functions,
the parameters of which are determined via standard soil investigation data. According to
this design procedure, the 1D model calibration data can be imported from previous
numerical-based calibrations on other projects, from standard publications or supplied by
a consultant. It should be noted that, in this case, the soundness of the pile response
prediction depends on the difference in the soil profiles, the considered pile geometries
and the loading conditions between the original calibration case and the target design
study. Thus, the rule-based design approach is likely to be used for concept or
preliminary design.

Numerical-based design
The numerical-based design approach involves 3D FE models for site-specific, and
possibly more accurate, calibration of the soil reaction. Detailed 3D FE calculations are
employed along with high quality soil data, potentially obtained via site investigation and
laboratory/field testing, for the calibration of the used soil constitutive models.
Subsequently, the 1D design model is calibrated based on the results of the 3D FE
analyses. The numerical-based design approach is likely to be used for detailed design.
Note that PLAXIS MoDeTo deals with the calibration of the advanced soil constitutive
models employed in PLAXIS 3D, based on limited input soil data, via predefined empirical
correlations. The user may fine-tune the derived values of the material parameters if
necessary. The reader may refer to Section 2.3 and Section 4.2 for more information.
Each 3D FE model represents a design scenario for the considered design study. It is
suggested to choose the variation on the monopile geometry configurations, and
consequently the number of the employed calibration 3D FE models, such that an
appropriate coverage of the calibration space is achieved. Based on experience
(Panagoulias et al., 2018a, Panagoulias et al., 2018b) 8 to 10 calibration models are
generally sufficient to calibrate the soil reaction curves.
It is highly recommended that the results of the 1D FE model for the final design
configuration are checked against an equivalent 3D FE model to validate the soundness
of the 1D analysis.
The numerical-based design philosophy provides a well-based means of continuous
advancement of the soil reaction curves, towards a global database of site-specific and
calibration space-specific curves. The database could be effectively extended as new
site investigation data together with soil testing data are obtained from specific offshore
locations. In addition, improvements on the used numerical methods and/or the
employed constitutive models could be used to enrich the database and possibly
enhance existing soil reaction data sets.

2.1.3 INTEROPERABILITY WITH PLAXIS 3D

PLAXIS MoDeTo reaches its full potential when used in connection with PLAXIS 3D. The
latter offers a complete, well proven and robust finite element solution for offshore or
onshore structures. The coupling of the two software packages facilitates the

PLAXIS MoDeTo | PLAXIS MoDeTo Manual 15

PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

numerical-based design, via the automatic calibration of the soil reaction curves for the
specific design case.
The design tool provides automatic generation and calculation of 3D FE calibration
models in PLAXIS 3D based on specific soil input data and value ranges of the monopile
geometry components (length, diameter, wall thickness and height above the seabed
where the load is applied). Soil reaction curves are extracted from the 3D FE models and
turned into parameterised functions based on the defined soil properties and geometrical
parameters.

2.1.4 THE 1D FE MODEL

PLAXIS MoDeTo facilitates the execution of rapid 1D design calculations. A 1D FE model
is integrated in the design tool, formulated by means of the Timoshenko beam theory.
The adopted formulation embodies, in an approximate way, the influence of the shear
strains to the overall pile response. This influence is likely to increase with decreasing
length-to-diameter ratios (Byrne et al., 2015, Burd et al., 2017).
If the rule-based design approach is followed, the 1D model makes direct use of the
user-imported soil reaction data. If the numerical-based design is employed, the
calibration of the 1D model involves a limited set of 3D numerical calculations, which
span an assumed design space for the monopile foundation. Soil reaction curve data are
derived from the 3D models; they are then used in the 1D FE model. The latter is used to
conduct a range of (rapid) design calculations to optimise the monopile geometry, based
on the assumed soil conditions at the site and the monopile design space.
The main components of the 1D design model are depicted in figure in Section 2.1.4.
Under a horizontal force H and a moment M applied to the pile at a certain height above
the ground level, four components of soil reaction are acting on the embedded part of the
pile:
• the distributed lateral load p
• the distributed moment m
• the base horizontal force HB
• the base moment MB
The distributed lateral load p acts along the pile shaft and it is consistent with the
approach adopted by the conventional p-y method. The additional component of the
distributed moment m along the pile shaft results from the vertical shear tractions
induced at the soil-pile interface, due to local pile rotation. Besides, if the pile is loaded
close to failure, considerable shear tractions are likely to be developed on the passive
side of the pile due to the induced wedge-type failure mechanism (Burd et al., 2017). Two
separate soil reaction components are acting on the base (toe) of the pile, namely the
base shear force HB and the base moment MB . The effect of the additional components
on the pile response becomes more dominant as the length-to-diameter ratio reduces
(Burd et al., 2017).
In line with the conventional p-y design method, all components of soil reaction are
applied to the embedded beam elements via the Winkler approach (Winkler, 1867). This
implies that the soil reaction components mentioned above are linked to local pile
displacements and rotations. Despite any limitations of this approach, mainly related to

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 REFERENCE MANUAL

the uncoupling between adjacent elements, it constitutes a direct and computationally

efficient formulation approach for the 1D design model.

M
H

z y
ground level

Timoshenko
beam Lateral soil
finite element reaction
p(z,v)

Distributed
moment
m(z, ψ)

Base horizontal
force H B (v B ) Base
moment
M B ( ψB )

Figure 2.1 Components of the 1D FE model (based on Byrne et al., 2015b)

2.1.5 THE COMPONENTS OF PLAXIS MoDeTo

The tool consists of three main individual components, which communicate via the
Graphical user interface (GUI). Each component deals with different parts of the
calculation process (Figure 2.2).

Component 1: the 1D FE model

This component is based on the use of Timoshenko beam theory to model the behaviour
of an embedded monopile. The soil response is modelled via soil reaction curves,
applied along the shaft and at the base of the monopile.

Component 2: a set of 3D FE models

This component facilitates the automatic generation and calculation of a set of 3D FE
calibration models in PLAXIS 3D, to obtain sets of raw soil reaction curves.

Component 3: the Optimisation Module

This component deals with the parameterisation of the soil reaction curves derived from
the PLAXIS 3D models, i.e. the transformation of the raw soil reaction curves to

PLAXIS MoDeTo | PLAXIS MoDeTo Manual 17

PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

START

YES G
  pth

S  ta variation
f




3D FE models (PLAXIS 3D)

NO
Component 2

3D Model 1 3D Model 2 ... 3D Model n

raw soil reaction curves raw soil reaction curves raw soil reaction curves Import depth variation functions
(model 1) (model 2) (model n) & soil-structure data

Component 1
normalised raw normalised raw normalised raw
soil reaction curves soil reaction curves soil reaction curves
(model 2) 1D FE calculation kernel
(model 1) (model n)
Component 3

parameterised parameterised parameterised Results

soil reaction curves soil reaction curves soil reaction curves
(model 1) (model 2) (model n)

END

Depth variation functions

Figure 2.2 PLAXIS MoDeTo workflow

mathematical functions which are subsequently used by the 1D FE model.

2.1.6 GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) deals with the exchange of data among the three
main individual components. Moreover, it presents the calculation results from the 3D (if
employed) and the 1D FE analyses. The GUI consists of four operational modes, namely
the Soil mode, the Calibration mode, the Analysis mode and the Results mode.
If the rule-based design is followed, only the last two modes of the design tool are used,
i.e. the Analysis mode and the Results mode. The soil reaction data are imported in the
Analysis mode to run rapid 1D FE calculations. The Results mode provides the results of
the 1D analysis.
If the numerical-based design is adopted, all four modes of the tool are used sequentially.
The Soil mode is used to define the site-specific soil layers and soil data. In the
Calibration mode the various monopile geometric configurations are defined. The
PLAXIS 3D models are generated and calculated based on the data coming from the Soil
mode and the Calibration mode. The extraction and parameterisation of the soil reaction
curves is part of the Calibration mode. Relevant results from the 3D FE analyses are
presented in the Calibration mode as well. The parameterised soil reaction curves are
imported in the Analysis mode to run the 1D FE analysis, whereas the Results mode
provides the obtained results.
Note that the present version of the tool supports homogeneous soil profiles. The user
can define either a Clay or a Sand soil configuration in the Soil mode. Furthermore, the

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calibrated or user-defined soil reaction curves imported in the Analysis mode should
represent homogeneous soil sites as well. Mixed soil layers are planned to be
implemented in future versions of PLAXIS MoDeTo.

2.1.7 USEFUL TERMINOLOGY

Basic terminology adopted throughout the design tool and this manual, is presented
below.

Design space
The design space (or calibration space) defines the space covered by the variation of the
geometrical parameters assigned to the calibration set of the 3D FE models. The
parameters that span the design space are the embedded length, the diameter, the wall
thickness of the pile, as well as the height above the ground level where the excitation is
applied.

Soil reaction curves

The raw soil reaction curves represent the functions which relate the non-linear soil
reactions (force or moment) to the local pile deformation (displacement or rotation). They
are based on the data extracted directly from the PLAXIS 3D models. Four types of raw
soil reaction curves are considered to simulate the behaviour of an embedded monopile
under lateral loading, namely:
• distributed lateral load p - lateral displacement v
• distributed moment m - rotation ψ
• base horizontal force HB - lateral displacement vB
• base moment MB - base rotation ψB

Parameterisation procedure
The parameterisation procedure is conducted in the Calibration mode, if the
numerical-based design is followed, by the Optimisation Module (Figure 2.2). It consists
of several sub-processes, including the normalisation of the raw soil reaction curves, the
calibration of the mathematical function which approximates the non-linear soil reaction
curves and the optimisation of the derived fitting parameters.

Depth variation functions

Each type of the non-linear soil reaction curves is approximated with a mathematical
function during the parameterisation procedure. The mathematical function itself
constists of certain fitting parameters. The depth variation functions define the variation
of each one of the fitting parameters as a function of depth.

dvf file
A file with a specific format used to define the parameterised soil reaction curves. It also
includes relevant data for the site-specific soil conditions and the design (calibration)
space based on which the soil reaction curves were generated. The file is used as input
to the 1D design model to run the 1D FE analysis. It can either be user-defined

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

(rule-based design) or produced via the parameterisation procedure (numerical-based

design) in the Calibration mode.

Monopile head and toe

The term Monopile head refers to the level at distance h above the seabed level, at which
either a prescribed displacement (Calibration mode) or a lateral load H and/or a bending
moment M (Analysis mode) are applied to the monopile. Note that this level may not
necessarily coincide with the actual monopile head. If h is zero, then the supposed head
meets the mudline. The term Monopile toe refers to the base of the monopile at distance
L below the seabed level.

2.2 GENERAL INFORMATION

Information in this chapter applies to all modes of the design tool.

2.2.1 USING PLAXIS MoDeTo WITH AND WITHOUT PLAXIS 3D

Functionality without PLAXIS 3D VIP
Without PLAXIS 3D VIP, the user can access the last two modes (Analysis and Results
mode), which are related to the 1D calculation. The functionality to generate, calculate,
parameterise and visualise PLAXIS 3D models (i.e. elaborated in Section 2.4.2) is not
available unless PLAXIS 3D VIP is installed. Nevertheless, existing calibrated soil
reaction curves can be used in the Analysis mode to perform monopile design
calculations.
For more information on PLAXIS VIP, please contact the PLAXIS Sales Department at
[email protected].

Functionality with PLAXIS 3D VIP

If PLAXIS 3D VIP is present, the full functionality provided by the design tool is available.

2.2.2 PROGRAM LAYOUT

To carry out analysis and design calculations using PLAXIS MoDeTo, the user has four
modes to work with: Soil mode, Calibration mode, Analysis mode, and Results mode.
Each mode appears as a coloured tabsheet in PLAXIS MoDeTo.
After starting the program, the user chooses whether to open an existing project or start a
new one. A new project (Figure 2.3) must first be saved before being worked with.
The general layout of the program is shown in Figure 2.4.
The contents of the window differ for the different modes, all of which are described in
their sections. The main and common items are as follows:

Title bar
The name of the program and the title of the project is displayed in the title bar. Unsaved
or unelaborated modifications in the project are indicated by an asterisk ('∗') next to the
project name.

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Figure 2.3 Start screen

Menu bar
It contains a File, Options, and Help menu.

Mode tabs
The mode tabs are used to separate different workflow steps. The following tabs are
available:
Soil Optional mode allowing users with access to PLAXIS 3D to
define the soil stratigraphy.
Calibration Optional mode for the users with access to PLAXIS 3D, to
generate and calculate 3D FE models, the soil reaction curves of
which will be extracted and parameterised.
Analysis To run the 1D FE Analysis.
Results To view the results of the 1D FE Analysis.

NOTE: After analysis in the Analysis and Results modes and then modifying the
data in the Soil or Calibration modes, the last two modes are marked by an
asterisk. This is to indicate that the ∗.dvf file used in the Analysis might not be
valid anymore.

Parameters area
Each mode has different fields and different parameters the user can set. In the data
area, the user can add soil layers, add geometric data sets (GeoDS), set structural
properties, and much more.

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

1. Ti   2. M  3. M 

4 Param e  ea 5   ea

Figure 2.4 Layout of the program

Graphs/tables area
This area represents the results graphically. The graphs can be customised by changing
axes and plot options. They are available in Calibration, Analysis, and Results mode.

2.2.3 NEW PROJECT

How to access:
• File I New project...
• CTRL + N
At the start of the program, the user sees the Soil mode with an empty data set. The user
chooses whether to open an existing project or start a new one. A new project (Figure
2.3) must first be saved before being worked with.
In the numerical-based design, the first step the user should take is to add soil layers and
configure the material data. For more information on the Soil mode, see Section 2.3.
In the rule-based design, the first step the user should take is to switch to Analysis mode
and upload a *.dvf file containing the soil reaction curves (either calibrated or
user-defined). For mode information on the Analysis mode, see Section 2.5.

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2.2.4 OPEN PROJECT

How to access:
• File I Open project...
• CTRL + O
The user may open an existing project by searching for it in Windows® requester.

2.2.5 MENUS IN THE MENU BAR

The menu bar of the program contains drop-down menus covering most options for
handling files and setting options.

File menu
New project To create a new project.
Open project... To open an existing project.
Save project To save the current project under the existing name.
Save project as... To save the current project under a new name.
Exit To leave the program.

Options menu
Display numbers using:
4 significant digits To display numbers using 4 significant digits.
5 significant digits To display numbers using 5 significant digits.
6 significant digits To display numbers using 6 significant digits.

NOTE: The default global number of significant digits is 4.

Help menu
Manuals To display the manuals.
Request support... To send a request for support.
https://www.plaxis.com To reach the PLAXIS website.
Disclaimer To display the complete disclaimer text.
About To display information about the program version and license.

2.2.6 UNITS AND SIGN CONVENTION

Standard units
PLAXIS MoDeTo uses a consistent system of units. The basic units are:
• Length: m
• Force: kN

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

• Moment: kNm
• Stress: kN/m2
• Unit weight: kN/m3
All input data should conform to the adopted system of units, and the output data should
be interpreted using the same system. Every example used in the manual is defined
using these standard units.

Sign convention used in PLAXIS 3D

The following applies to the PLAXIS 3D FE models generated by PLAXIS MoDeTo.
• Positive x-, y-, z-direction as displayed in Figure 2.5
• Positive moment: right-handed coordinate system
• Compressive stress: negative (solid mechanics convention)

σ zz
z σ zy
σzx
y σ xz σ xy
σ yx σxx
x
σ yy
σ yz

Figure 2.5 Coordinate system and the indication of positive stress components

Sign convention used in 1D model

The following applies to the 1D FE model.
• positive y-, z-direction as displayed in figure in Section 2.1.4 positive lateral load p
and moment m as displayed in Figure 2.6

M + dM

Q + dQ

dz p
m

Q P ement

M
Figure 2.6 Sign convention in 1D FE model

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 REFERENCE MANUAL

With this sign convention the variables are related by:

dQ dM
p=− m− =Q (2.1)
dz dz
where Q is the pile shear force and M is the pile bending moment.

2.2.7 AUTOMATIC SAVING

When creating a new project, the user needs to choose a name and location for the
project. The project data can become very large, so PLAXIS MoDeTo performs
automatic saving before certain actions. The program lets the user know when the
project is automatically saved by displaying warnings and the save icon on the
corresponding buttons of the UI.

NOTE: The actions before which the project will be automatically saved are all
encountered in the Calibration mode:
• Adding a new GeoDS
• Deleting a GeoDS
• Generating a model
• Calculating a model

2.2.8 HELP FACILITIES

PLAXIS MoDeTo provides extensive help facilities for the users. In the Help menu
(Section 2.2.5), there is a link to all manuals in PDF form.

Manuals
To obtain a quick working knowledge of the main features of PLAXIS MoDeTo, it is
suggested that users work through the example problem contained in the Tutorial Manual.
This Reference Manual is intended for users who want more detailed information about
program features. This manual covers topics that are not discussed exhaustively in the
Tutorial Manual. It also contains practical details on how to use PLAXIS MoDeTo for the
design of monopiles according to the PISA method.
This Reference Manual is arranged according to the modes and their respective options
as listed in the corresponding modes and menus. This manual does not contain detailed
information about the constitutive models, the finite element formulations or the
non-linear solution algorithms used in the program. For detailed information on these and
other related subjects, users are referred to the various chapters and papers listed in the
Scientific Manual or the corresponding sections of the PLAXIS 3D manuals.

Knowledge base
Additional information can be found in the PLAXIS Knowledge Base
(https://www.plaxis.com/support/).

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

Customer support
Need Help? Tell us about your issue and find the best support option:
https://www.plaxis.com/contact/

2.3 SOIL MODE

The Soil mode is intended for users who want to follow the numerical-based design
approach and use PLAXIS 3D to generate and run a set of 3D models, to extract the soil
reaction curves, parameterise them and generate (soil-type and design-space
dependent) depth variation functions. The Soil mode should be used before the
Calibration and Analysis modes.
The Soil mode is used to define the soil stratigraphy for the PLAXIS 3D models that are
generated to calibrate soil reaction curves. Hence, the user must first choose which is the
(dominant) material type in the subsoil for the considered project. Depending on the
material type, a different set of soil parameters needs to be specified. These parameters
are employed in the soil models that are used in the PLAXIS 3D model (Section 4.2).
Some parameters are also used to normalise the soil reaction curves. Although only one
particular soil type can be selected, the user may define as many sub-sections (Soil
layers) as necessary to accurately represent a measured stiffness profile (G0 ) or shear
strength profile (Su ) in depth.

2.3.1 SOIL MODE LAYOUT

To define the soil stratigraphy, the user needs to choose a material type and determine
the soil layers in Soil mode.
Reset button: When using the Reset button, the program shows a warning. If the user
confirms the action, the Soil mode is reverted to the default (initial) state:
• default material type is Clay
• soil layers are deleted

2.3.2 MATERIAL TYPES

The user chooses between two available material types: Clay or Sand.

NOTE: When changing the soil material type after creating a soil layer, the layer
boundaries (top and bottom) are retained, but the rest of the parameters are
reset.

Clay
The clayey soil material type is formulated using the NGI-ADP model (for more
information, see Brinkgreve et al., 2018). The material behaviour (drainage type) is
assumed to be undrained. To read more about the parameters of this material model, see
Section 4.2.1. The following input parameters need to be defined per soil layer:

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 REFERENCE MANUAL

Materia !"# 1. 2. D$a%&a'# !"# 3. R#(# ()% a!#$( *+ )& ,- .)% a!#$( a$#a

3- Soil profile 6- /)" o *) )0 7- Material properties 8- A112 %&(#$ 2 a&1 1## #

()% *)+&daries

Figure 2.7 View of a project in the Soil mode

γ' : submerged unit weight [kN/m3 ]

G0 : small strain shear stiffness modulus in the middle of the [kN/m2 ]
soil layer
su,top : undrained shear strength at the top of the soil layer [kN/m2 ]
su,bottom : undrained shear strength at the bottom of the soil layer [kN/m2 ]
K0 : lateral earth pressure coefficient at rest [-]

TIP: The user may change the constitutive model or use a user-defined soil
constitutive model via PLAXIS 3D.

Sand
The sandy soil material type is formulated using the HSsmall model (for more
information, see Brinkgreve et al., 2018). The material behaviour (drainage type) is
assumed to be drained. To read more about the parameters of this material model, see
Section 4.2.1. The following input parameters need to be defined per soil layer:
γ' : submerged unit weight [kN/m3 ]
G0 : small strain shear stiffness modulus in the middle of the [kN/m2 ]
soil layer
ϕ' : effective angle of internal friction [◦ ]

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

ψ : angle of dilatancy [◦ ]
K0 : lateral earth pressure coefficient at rest [-]

TIP: The user may change the constitutive model or use a user-defined soil
constitutive model via PLAXIS 3D.

2.3.3 CREATING SOIL LAYERS

The user creates soil layers using buttons above the soil layers area:
Add To add a new layer below the lowest layer in the model.
Insert To insert a new layer above the selected one.
Delete To remove the selected layer.

General rules for adding, inserting, and deleting soil layers

1. The thickness of a newly added layer is zero by default.
2. The top boundary of an underlying layer is defined by the lower boundary of the
overlying layer.
3. To change the thickness of a layer, the user modifies the bottom boundary.
4. A newly added soil layer appears as the lowest soil layer.
5. A newly inserted soil layer is inserted right above a selected layer.
6. A layer's bottom boundary cannot be less than the underlying layer's bottom
boundary.
7. When deleting a layer, a confirmation window pops up.

Soil profile
The user can inspect the soil profile not only by looking at layer boundaries in the table
but also in the Soil profile (Figure 2.8), which is visible in the left panel of the Soil mode. It
is a visual representation of the inserted soil layers and their top and bottom boundaries.

TIP: For easier reference and navigation, the selected soil layer is also highlighted
in the Soil profile panel.

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Figure 2.8 Soil profile in the Soil mode

2.4 CALIBRATION MODE

The Calibration mode is intended for users who want to follow the numerical-based
design approach and to use in the numerical-based design. It makes use of PLAXIS 3D
to generate and run a set of 3D models, to extract the soil reaction curves, parameterise
them and generate (soil-type and design space dependent) depth variation functions.
The Calibration mode should be used before the Analysis mode as its results constitute
an input for the Analysis mode.
The Calibration mode is used to define the monopile geometric dimensions for the
PLAXIS 3D models that are generated to calibrate soil reaction curves. The monopile
geometry is defined by the height above the ground level h at which a horizontal
displacement is applied, the embedded length L, the diameter D and the wall thickness t .
For each geometric data set (GeoDS), a maximum horizontal displacement needs to be
specified which is applied at the height h (vmax,z=h ).

Calibration procedure
The procedure to calibrate soil reaction curves consists of three steps.
1. Generating PLAXIS 3D models based on the soil profile in the Soil mode and the
GeoDS defined in the Calibration mode. This step will not only create the geometry
model in PLAXIS 3D but also the 3D finite element mesh and the necessary
calculation phases.
2. Calculating the selected finite element models in PLAXIS 3D. Note that this step can
be quite time-consuming since several 3D finite element calculations are performed.

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

The result of this step is a set of raw soil reaction curves obtained from each of the
finite element model calculations.
3. The parameterisation of the raw soil reaction curves obtained from the 3D finite
element calculations.

2.4.1 CALIBRATION MODE LAYOUT

1. Geom;<=> ?@<@ B;<B 2. Structural 3. Results area

properties

I: JK<LFH sE<<FHB 9: Pile properties C: VisualiB; sE<<FH

Figure 2.9 Layout of the Calibration mode

Geometry datasets
Tabular overview of the data sets. Used to add/delete sets via the corresponding buttons
and edit data sets. Each data set is identified by the name GeoDS_#, where # is the
number of the data set. The same name is used for the corresponding finite element
model generated in PLAXIS 3D. The selection here determines which structural, pile
properties and results are shown. Multiple data sets may be selected simultaneously.
Actions are performed on all selected data sets.

Structural properties
Overview and editing of monopile material parameters.

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Pile properties
Static schematic 3D model of a monopile and the calculated geometrical and mechanical
properties (A, I, EA, EI and GA, for more information, see Table 2.3).

Results area
View of results after calculation/parameterisation.

Action buttons - Generate, Calculate, Parameterise

Executing the corresponding action on the data selected in the table of GeoDS. One or
multiple datasets can be selected.

Visualise button
Visualisation of the 3D model that corresponds to the selected dataset in PLAXIS 3D,
where the user is allowed to modify the models manually. For example, the user can
change default material parameters. Note that this should be done with caution.

2.4.2 GEOMETRY DATASETS (GEODS)

A geometry data set (GeoDS) corresponds to a particular PLAXIS 3D model. The soil
stratigraphy in the model comes from the Soil mode of PLAXIS MoDeTo. The
geometrical characteristics of the monopile come from the input parameters of the
Calibration mode for the specific data set GeoDS.

Add and delete GeoDS

The defined GeoDS are listed in a table, see Figure 2.10.

Figure 2.10 Geometry data sets (GeoDS)

To add a new GeoDS, click the Add button. A new data set is added to the table, below
the last data set.
NOTE: Creation of a new GeoDS copies the properties assigned to the last
created data set, and the associated PLAXIS 3D project if it has been already
generated, or generated and calculated. If a project was calculated, then the
calculated project is copied, including the results.

Select one or more data sets and click the Delete button to delete them. Any generated
projects will be deleted as well.

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TIP: The user can select a single GeoDS by clicking anywhere in the row. More
than one GeoDS may be selected by using Shift+click (consecutive rows) or
Ctrl+click (single rows).

NOTE: Adding or deleting a GeoDS performs an autosave. Any changes in the

project are saved and cannot be undone.

Parameters
Table 2.1 Geometry data sets parameters

Parameter Description Unit

h Monopile height above mudline at which m
the prescribed lateral displacement is
applied *
L Monopile embedded length m
Dout Monopile outer diameter m
t Monopile wall thickness m
vmax,z=h Prescribed displacement applied to the m
top of the monopile, at height equal to h

The name of each geometry data set is assigned automatically and cannot be changed.
The name is GeoDS_<n>, where n increases by one, adding to the highest existing
number. Previously deleted numbers are not reused unless the deleted numbers were
the highest.
All other parameters can be changed (within the max/min boundaries). To change a
value click in the cell and edit the value.

TIP: The length L is limited by the max soil depth minus 0.15 · Dout . There is an
error message displayed on the screen if this condition is not met. See Section
B.1.1 for more information.
If there are no soil layers defined, the user is not able to fill in L.

State icons
GeoDSs have different states, depending on the actions that were carried out on the
GeoDS and the success or failure of these actions.
The following states exist and are represented by the corresponding icons.
The model is successfully generated, but not calculated yet.
The model is not successfully generated. An error occurred during generation or
meshing.
The model is successfully generated and calculated.
The model is not successfully calculated (but it is already successfully generated).
An error occurred during calculation.
The model is successfully included in the parameterisation process.

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The model was changed since it was last generated, calculated or parameterised.

TIP: In case the generation or calculation fails ( or ):

The user should open PLAXIS 3D by using the Visualise button and check the
error encountered during the generation or calculation of the model.

Generate
When the GeoDS have been added, you can generate the PLAXIS 3D models.
To generate a model, PLAXIS MoDeTo will:
• Generate the soil layers (as specified in the Soil mode of PLAXIS MoDeTo)
• Generate the soil materials and the model parameters based on the values specified
in the Soil mode
Note that all the needed material parameters are calculated based on predetermined
relationships. See Section 4.2.1 and Section 4.2.2. Calculated values can be
manually modified via the Materials menu in PLAXIS 3D.
• Generate the structure (monopile and corresponding interfaces) based on the
settings of GeoDS, from the Calibration mode
• Divide the pile into slices to extract the raw soil reactions at different depths
• Generate the plate material and assign structural properties specified in the
Calibration mode
• Generate the calculation phases and adjust the numerical settings to values suitable
for accurate and fast calculations (for the specific type of models generated by
PLAXIS MoDeTo).
• Generate a finite element mesh and select precalculation curve points in Output

NOTE: Adding or deleting a GeoDS performs an autosave. Any changes in the

project are saved and cannot be undone.

NOTE: The selected pre-calculation curve points maybe used by the user to
check additional results (in PLAXIS 3D Output) but they are not directly used by
the PLAXIS MoDeTo workflow and calculations.

NOTE: Note that the calculation phases are always generated before the mesh.
In case the mesh generation fails, the model still contains properly defined
calculation phases. The user can open the PLAXIS 3D model and try to
generate the mesh manually. Changes on the default mesh settings may be
needed to mesh successfully. Afterwards, the user should save the PLAXIS 3D
project and close it. The calculation must be done via PLAXIS MoDeTo. Note
that any manual changes to the model will be copied to the next one added in
the GeoDS menu of the tool (see Section 2.4.5).

A user may modify a 3D model that is automatically generated by PLAXIS MoDeTo in

PLAXIS 3D. However, the modified model must represent the same situation (i.e. soil
profile and monopile geometry) that has been defined in PLAXIS MoDeTo. Open the
corresponding model in PLAXIS 3D.

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This should preferably be done for the first GeoDS that is defined in PLAXIS MoDeTo
since subsequent models are based on the previously generated (and modified) 3D
model. In this way, subsequent models can be automatically generated by PLAXIS
MoDeTo, taking into account the modifications of the first model. The user remains
responsible for a correct representation of the 3D finite element models when modifying
these models in PLAXIS 3D.
Initial generation:
During generation, the following calculation phases are created:
• Initial phase: generation of initial stress state
• Phase 1: pile wished-in-place
• Phase 2: small displacements calculation
• Phase 3: large displacements calculation
The large displacements calculation is intended to capture the pile response in the large
displacements region, under which the lateral displacement at the mudline is about
Dout /10. Note that this calculation is not a large deformations calculation (updated mesh
analysis).
Since the input value of the maximum lateral displacement vmax is specified at height h
above mudline, the displacement at mudline is generally smaller than the input value of
the displacement vmax . The user should realise this when specifying an appropriate input
value for vmax .
Note that all these calculations are performed in the framework of small deformation
theory.
To generate the model(s):
1. In the table, select one or several data sets for which the model is to be generated.
2. Click the Generate button.
NOTE: The model generation works only if there is no feedback (warning) or if
the user chooses to ignore it. The checks and feedback messages for the
generate action are described in Section B.1.2.

Regeneration:
The regeneration of models is different than the initial generation. See Section B.1.2 for
more information concerning the modification on the projects that each action triggers.
The purpose is to maintain as many as possible manual modifications that the user did
on the PLAXIS 3D models after the initial generation. The modifications that are allowed
can be found in Section B.4.
After one or more models have been calculated, it is possible to add new geometry
configurations to PLAXIS MoDeTo, generate the corresponding models and perform the
corresponding calculations.

Calculate
Model calculation includes the following:

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• Calculation of all 4 phases (as described in Section Generate)

• Extraction of the raw soil reaction curves
• Extraction of data to be displayed in the results area (monopile response, raw soil
reaction curves)
To calculate the model(s):
1. In the table, select one or several data sets for which the model is to be calculated.
2. Click the Calculate button.
NOTE: The model calculation works only if there is no feedback (warning) or if
the user chooses to ignore it.

During calculation, a window pops up showing the calculation progress, see Figure 2.11.
To stop all calculations, click the Stop button.

Figure 2.11 Model calculation progress dialog

NOTE: If multiple calculations are selected to be performed at once and one or

more fail, the others continue. Stopping a single calculation can only be done by
stopping the calculation of the phases in PLAXIS 3D (calculation progress
dialogue). Then the project is saved, and the calculation of the following GeoDS
starts. After each calculation finishes, the project is automatically saved.

The checks and feedback messages for the calculate action are described in Section
B.1.3.

Parameterise
The parameterisation process does the following:
• The normalisation of the raw soil reaction curves extracted from the 3D model
• Fitting of a mathematical function (Section 4.4) to each type of the raw soil reaction
curves, at the shaft (monopile slices) and at the base separately. The input raw data
come from all the selected geometry data sets
• Derivation of the functions that describe the variation of the parameters of the
mathematical function along the shaft and at the base of the pile, (the depth
variation functions (dvf))
• Generation of data to be displayed at the results inspection pane (parameterised soil
reaction curves, shaft and base depth variation functions)
• Creation of the calibrated.dvf file containing the depth variation functions for the
site-specific soil conditions and design space. This file can then be saved under a
different name and/or in a different location and imported for future analysis without
requiring a new calibration

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To parameterise the model(s):

1. In the table, select one or more successfully calculated GeoDS for which the model
is to be parameterised.
2. Click the Parameterise button.
The checks and feedback messages for the parameterise action are described in Section
B.1.4.
The parameterised soil reaction curves are based on the selected models. It is possible
to select only a subset of the calculated models for parameterisation. Based on
experience, the parameterisation works best when eight to ten 3D calibration models are
used to define the design space. However, a smaller or larger number can also be used.
The following further suggestions are provided here for a successful parameterisation:
• The models should reasonably cover the intended design space.
• The design space (i.e. the variations between the models) should not be extremely
large.
• The specified lateral displacement at the top of each monopile geometry should be
such that the maximum pile deflection at mudline is about 0.2·D at the end of the
large displacements calculation.

NOTE: The parameterisation does not trigger automatic saving of the project.
The user needs to save the project manually if desired.

Visualise
This button is used to launch PLAXIS 3D and view or inspect the 3D model.

NOTE: Only one GeoDS can be selected and visualized at once. The model
has to be generated before viewing it.

It is useful in the following situations:

• The user can inspect what went wrong, in case generation of the model fails.
• The user is always advised to inspect the generated models, even if the generation
was successful.
• The user can inspect output results via PLAXIS Output, after successful calculation.
• The user can modify the model.
The message shown in Figure 2.12 appears (unless switched off by the user via the 'Do
not show again' option).

NOTE: After visualising the model, the user should close it directly from the
PLAXIS 3D user interface by either clicking on the Close (x) button or by
selecting File -> Exit.

Model changes outside PLAXIS MoDeTo

The user can open the model in PLAXIS 3D and modify it. However, PLAXIS MoDeTo
does not reflect any manual changes applied inside PLAXIS 3D.

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Figure 2.12 Warning about manual changes

WARNING: Carefully follow the rules explained below to avoid inconsistencies

and problems with calculations.
The user may apply only the following safe modifications if needed:
• Change the constitutive model, and even use a user-defined soil model.
• Change the default soil material parameters.
• Change the default mesh settings and regenerate the mesh.
• Change the default numerical settings.

NOTE: After any modifications, the user should save the PLAXIS 3D model
manually and close it afterwards.

The user should not perform any modifications that could interfere with the analysis,
including but not limited to:
• Delete the project manually (The project should only be edited via PLAXIS
MoDeTo).
• Modify the name of the project (it will not be recognised anymore by PLAXIS
MoDeTo).
• Modify the soil layers manually in PLAXIS 3D by adding/removing boreholes,
adjusting the top and bottom layer boundaries.
• Delete or modify the structure ('tunnels'). The structure (monopile geometry) is
created by the PLAXIS 3D Tunnel Designer.
• Modify the material parameters of the plate elements (this should be done via
PLAXIS MoDeTo).
• Delete or modify the interface elements around the structure (monopile modelled
with plate elements) and at its bottom.
• Add/remove calculation phases.
• Change the calculation type (e.g. to dynamic).
• Modify the boundary conditions.
• Perform calculations directly in PLAXIS 3D.
Calculations must always be performed in PLAXIS MoDeTo since it immediately extracts
the raw soil reaction curves from the finite element results; this is not done if the user
performs the calculations directly in PLAXIS.

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WARNING: If the default soil parameters are modified manually in PLAXIS,

the parameters displayed in the Soil mode of PLAXIS MoDeTo should be
updated to reflect the new parameters in PLAXIS. This is very important as
it ensures that the parameterisation takes into account the correct values of the
soil parameters.

2.4.3 STRUCTURAL AND MATERIAL PROPERTIES

The middle section of the Calibration mode view shows the structural and material
properties and a schematic of the monopile. The information corresponds to the GeoDS
that is selected in the GeoDS table. Note that the schematic is for general illustration
purposes. The dimensions are not updated when selecting a geometry data set.

Structural properties
In the structural properties area, the Young's modulus E and Poisson's ratio ν of the steel
can be modified. The pile unit weight is set to zero by default and cannot be changed.
For more information on the pile unit weight, see Section 2.4.
The structural properties are described in Table 2.2
Table 2.2 Structural properties

Property Description Unit Default value

w pile unit weight kN/m 3
0.000 (fixed)
E Young's modulus kN/m 2
210 · 106
ν Poisson’s ratio - 0.300

Equivalent pile properties

Based on the values from the GeoDS and structural properties, the equivalent pile
properties are calculated. The pile properties are described in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3 Equivalent pile properties

Property Description Formula Unit

2 2
A cross section area A = π(Dout − Din )/4 m2
4 4
I moment of inertia I = π(Dout − Din )/64 m4
EA axial stiffness EA = E · A kN
EI bending stiffness EI = E · I kNm2
GA shear stiffness GA = 0.5kEA/(1 + ν), kN
where k=0.5

Also, see Section 2.4.

2.4.4 RESULTS INSPECTION PANE

The results inspection pane is on the right side in the Calibration mode, and it may be
used to quickly get an insight into the calculated projects and to identify potential errors in
the calculation or parameterisation.

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The user can inspect in detail:

• the load-displacement curves at the ground level for both small and large
displacements
• the monopile lateral deflection at the ground level for both small and large
displacements
• the soil reaction curves (shaft and base) extracted from the 3D FE calculations (only
for large displacements)
• the depth variation functions of the 16 fitting parameters for the shaft and the base.
The result tabs include the Monopile response, Soil reaction curves, Shaft depth variation
functions and Base depth variation functions.
The graphs have the following functionality:
• To show values at particular points of the curve, hover over the curve, see Figure
2.13.

Figure 2.13 Hover over curve to show values

• To zoom in/out, use the scroll-wheel or click-and-drag from top-left to bottom-right or

click-and-drag from bottom-right to top-left.
• To pan click and drag.

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• For more options, right-click the graph to open the context menu (Figure 2.14). This
allows users to adjust the appearance of the graph and to export it as an image or
vector graphic.

Figure 2.14 Context menu for curves

Monopile response
The Monopile response tab displays the results for all 3D models that were successfully
calculated and selected on the GeoDS menu. See Figure 2.15.

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Figure 2.15 Monopile response tab

The results shown are:
• the monopile lateral reaction force in relation to the monopile lateral displacement at
the mudline (top)
• the depth z over the embedded monopile length L in relation to the monopile
deflection below the mudline (bottom)
The graphs are presented for small displacements (left) and large displacements (right).
Small displacements: the small displacement response at mudline is taken from the
results of Phase 2 of the PLAXIS 3D calculation. In this case, the maximum displacement
is intended to be around D/10000.
Large displacements: the large displacement response at mudline is taken from the
results of Phase 3 of the PLAXIS 3D calculation. The maximum displacement in this case
is intended to be around D/10.

NOTE: Charts are automatically updated after successful calculation of a

selected model.

Double-clicking one of these graphs opens a separate window, which displays only a
larger version of the graph and a table with all the values from which the chart was
generated. For information on this view, see Section 2.4.4.

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Soil reaction curves

The Soil reaction curves tab displays the results for 3D models that were successfully
calculated and selected in the GeoDS table. The results are updated if a model is
recalculated successfully (Figure 2.16). For more information on soil reaction curves, see
Section 4.3.3.

Figure 2.16 Soil reaction curves tab

The results of only a single model are shown at a time. If more than one model is
selected in the table, this will be the data from the model that was selected first.
NOTE: Charts are automatically updated if the selection in the table changes or
after successful calculation of a selected model.

The results at different depths (z ) are shown:

1. The ztarget is calculated based on the following pre-determined depths:
{ztarget = 0.1 L, 0.2 L, 0.3 L, 0.4 L, 0.5 L, 0.6 L, 0.7 L, 0.8 L, 0.9 L, 1.0 L}.
2. The soil layer that the aimed depth (ztarget ) corresponds to is found via the
groundfile.dat file. If this is the exact boundary of two soil layers, the bottom one is
selected.
3. The ztarget is rounded to half a meter (up or down) assuring that it remains within the
targeted soil layer, as determined above.
4. If the rounded ztarget coincides with the boundary between two soil layers, then the
soil properties are updated considering the bottom one.

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5. If the 1D data are available, the 1D data which correspond to the rounded ztarget are
displayed
6. If the 3D data are available, the correct monopile slice is selected, within the updated
selected soil layer (from step 4), based on the rounded ztarget and the top and bottom
boundary of the slice (Figure 2.17). If the rounded ztarget corresponds to the exact
boundary of two slices, the bottom slice is selected.

TIP: As a result of the process presented above, certain target depths (ztarget )
may be selected more than once, for example in case of short piles. In this case,
the resulting plot lines could be less than 10 as coinciding lines are not plotted.

Dout

NOQU UWyXY Z slices

NOQU UWyXY [ L

NOQU UWyXY \

Figure 2.17 Slices of a monopile

The displayed soil reaction curves are the raw (not normalised, not parameterised) soil
reaction curves.
The four types of soil reaction curves (p − ν , m − ψ , HB − νB and MB − ψB ) are
displayed in four graphs.
• The top graphs show the p − ν and m − ψ soil reaction curves along the monopile
at the predefined depths mentioned above.
• The bottom graphs show the HB − νB and MB − ψB soil reaction curves at the base

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

of the monopile (at depth L).

The displayed raw soil reaction curves (normalised or unnormalised) derived from the 3D
calculations follow the sign convention presented in Section 2.2.6.
The parameterised (normalised or unnormalised) soil reaction curves derived from the
parameterisation process have positive signs, irrespective of the adopted sign
convention. This is related to the needed preprocessing of the raw data before the
parameterisation is executed.
Double-clicking on a graph pops up a new window, which displays this particular graph
enlarged and a table with the data. See Section 2.4.4 for more information.
The enlarged graph allows choosing to show the normalised and/or parameterised
values. There are two checkboxes for this purpose. Once the Parameterised box is
checked, absolute values are shown. This is done to compare the raw soil reaction
curves with the parameterised soil reaction curves, either in normalised (normalised
checkbox checked) or unnormalised (normalised checkbox unchecked) format.

NOTE: The comparison might give the impression that the soil reaction curves
do not match. This is expected as the goal of the parameterisation procedure is
to optimise the parameters of the fitting function and generate the depth
variation function for each one of those parameters. This procedure might lead
to local inaccuracies in the interest of the overall performance.

Depth variation functions

Once the parameterisation is completed, the depth variation functions per fitting
parameter are automatically generated or updated. The Shaft depth variation functions
and Base depth variation functions show the variation of the fitting parameters along the
shaft and at the base of the monopile accordingly.
In addition, when a model that was used for the parameterisation is deleted, the graphs
are cleaned up as they are not valid anymore.

NOTE: The curve data is based on all models included in the preceding
parameterisation.

Shaft depth variation functions: Eight graphs (Figure 2.4.4) illustrate the variation of
the fitting parameters along the shaft of the monopiles. The fitting parameters shown in
the graphs are defined as in Table 2.4. The vertical axis (z) is normalised. The
normalisation context changes per graph. For further detail on the normalisation, see
Table 4.2. In case that the parameter is constant over depth, then the outer diameter is
used for the normalisation.

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Figure 2.18 Shaft depth variation functions

Table 2.4 Shaft depth variables

Variable on x-axis Definition

ν pu normalised ultimate lateral displacement
pu normalised ultimate lateral soil reaction
kp normalised initial stiffness of the lateral soil reaction
np normalised curvature of the lateral soil reaction
ψ mu normalised ultimate rotation
mu normalised ultimate moment reaction
km normalised initial stiffness of the moment reaction
nm normalised curvature of the moment reaction
Base depth variation functions: Eight graphs (Figure 2.19) illustrate the variation of the
fitting parameters at the base of the monopiles. The fitting parameters shown in the
graphs are defined in Table 2.5, and originate from equations used in Table 4.1. Note that
the vertical axis (L/Dout ) is normalised.

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Figure 2.19 Base depth variation functions

Table 2.5 Base fitting parameters

Fitting parameter Definition

ν Hu normalised ultimate lateral base displacement
H Bu normalised ultimate lateral base soil reaction
kH normalised initial stiffness of the lateral base soil
reaction
nH normalised curvature of the lateral base soil reaction
ψ Mu normalised ultimate base rotation
M Bu normalised ultimate moment base reaction
kM normalised initial stiffness of the base moment
reaction
nM normalised curvature of the base moment reaction

Graph and table windows

When double-clicking a graph a separate window opens, which displays only this
particular larger version of the graph and a table with all the values from which the chart
was generated.
For the soil reaction curves, the user can choose to show the normalised and
parameterised curves. There are checkboxes to control this behaviour. By default both
boxes are unchecked. The displayed soil reaction curves are the raw ones.
The Parameterised checkbox is available only if the parameterisation has been done and

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the selected model was included in the parameterisation.

Switch to the Table tab to get a tabular overview of the values for the curve.

Figure 2.20 Table of curve values

To copy or save data:
• Select values by cell or complete row, if specific values are needed. To copy/save
right-click > Copy/Save Selection, see Figure 2.21.

Figure 2.21 Context menu for the table of values

• Copy/Save entire table with right-click > Copy All/Save All or CTRL+C.
• To copy to the clipboard, use CTRL+C shortcut.

2.4.5 RECOMMENDED WORKFLOW

The following workflow is recommended for the Calibration mode of this tool.
1. First add one GeoDS and generate it.
2. Visualise the GeoDS in PLAXIS 3D to ensure that the geometry, the material
parameters and the mesh are as expected. If needed, any modifications mentioned
in Section 2.4.2 may be made.
3. Calculate it using the Calculate button in PLAXIS MoDeTo and inspect the results in

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

PLAXIS MoDeTo.
4. Visualise the calculated project in PLAXIS 3D to ensure that the calculation results
are as expected.
5. Only after that add more data sets.
6. When adding a dataset, not only the values of the previous dataset are copied, but
also the associated PLAXIS 3D project.
7. During the generation of an added dataset with different geometry configuration,
PLAXIS MoDeTo modifies this copy to fit the changed geometry and/or prescribed
displacement applied to the top of the monopile, thereby keeping any modified
material parameters, altered constitutive models, changed mesh settings and/or
numerical phase settings.

TIP: If the user needs to make modifications to the PLAXIS 3D models, the
modification guidelines in Section 2.4.2 have to be followed.

2.5 ANALYSIS MODE

The Analysis mode (Figure 2.22) is used to run fast and robust 1D FE calculations to
obtain the monopile response under lateral monotonic loading. The monopile is modelled
by means of the Timoshenko beam theory whereas the soil reaction is modelled using
calibrated or user-defined soil reaction curves (Section 2.1).
To obtain reliable results, the monopile geometrical and structural properties, as defined
in this mode, should fall within the 'design space' as considered by the 3D calibration
models from which the soil reaction curves were obtained. In case that the
numerical-based design approach has been followed via PLAXIS MoDeTo, this
information is included in the produced dvf file. If the rule-based design is adopted, then
this information should be specified by the user in the imported dvf file. In case that the
selected monopile properties fall outside the considered design space, the user is notified
via a warning message that the calculation results may be invalid.
In contrast to the Calibration mode, the monopile may consist of different segments with
different wall thickness; thereby allowing for further optimisation of the geometry.
The results of each calculation may be inspected in the Results mode of PLAXIS
MoDeTo.

2.5.1 DEPTH VARIATION FUNCTIONS

The depth variation functions define the soil reaction curves that are used in the 1D
calculation. These functions can be derived from the Calibration mode, or they can be
user-defined. The file format for importing user-defined functions is ∗ .dvf (a plain text file
with the .dvf extension).

NOTE: Note that the tool remembers the previously selected option
(calibrated/custom) and does not reset to the default option (calibrated). The
selected option is maintained in memory temporarily, i.e. as long as the project
is running, or permanently if the project is manually saved by the user.

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Soil reaction curves 1. 2. Parameters

3. _hickness variation` ]^ Results inspection pane

bcpdgh jdhhknlj

Figure 2.22 Analysis mode layout

TIP: The user may select any other user-defined dvf file as long as it complies
with the required format.

The two methods for specifying depth variation functions are:

Calibrated This option is only available if the Calibration mode has been
used. Then a generated file has been created and saved in the
project folder's location. This is the default option if available
(Figure 2.23). Note that each time the Analysis mode is
(re)accessed, the ∗ .dvf file is always (re)imported to make sure
that the ∗ .dvf is updated.
Custom User-defined depth variation functions can be imported by the
user from the drop-down menu. This is the default option if
Calibrated is not available. Once a file has been imported, it is
displayed as Selected file: ∗ .dvf

Figure 2.23 Calibrated option for depth variation functions

2.5.2 MONOPILE GEOMETRY

One Monopile geometry is used for each calculation. The available geometry parameters
are the same as in the Calibration mode.
The monopile geometry properties are shown in Table 2.6.

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Table 2.6 Monopile geometry parameters

Parameter Description Unit

h height above mudline of the application m
of the resultant horizontal load
L monopile embedded depth m
Dout monopile outer diameter m

2.5.3 STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES

In the Structural properties (Figure 2.24) panel it is possible to add/change values of the
Young's modulus E . The user cannot edit values of w and ν . These are automatically set
to zero by the software.

Figure 2.24 Parameters for calculation in Analysis mode which includes Monopile geometry,
Structural properties and Workload (monopile head)

The Structural properties are shown in Table 2.7.

Table 2.7 Structural properties

Property Description Unit

γ pile distributed kN/m
weight
E Young's modulus kN/m2
ν Poisson's ratio -

NOTE: Poisson's ratio is fixed to 0. The reason being that it is modelled as a 1D

beam. But in reality, it is a tube. Hence even if there is a Poisson effect, it would
be negligible on the whole. But if it were a solid beam, then there would be a
Poisson effect.

2.5.4 WORKLOAD (MONOPILE HEAD)

A horizontal load H and a bending moment M may be applied to the monopile head, at
height h above the ground level. If h is zero, then the head coincides with the mudline. The
equivalent bending moment at ground level Mg is calculated based on the input values of
H , M and h as follows:
Mg = H · h + M (2.2)

Table 2.8 gives the minimum, maximum and default values for the input horizontal force
H and the moment M .

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Table 2.8 Minimum, maximum and default values for horizontal force H and moment M
Parameter Description Unit
H Horizontal force at monopile head kN
M Moment at monopile head kMm

Figure 2.25 Parameters and units

2.5.5 THICKNESS VARIATION

Figure 2.26 Thickness variation tabsheet

In the Thickness variation tabsheet, which is shown in Figure 2.26, it is possible to insert
and edit pile segments. These are displayed in Figure 2.27.

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mqrt tuvwx z

mqrt tuvwx { L
pile
segments

mqrt tuvwx |

Figure 2.27 Schematic representation of the pile with two different segments (thickness variation)
used in 1D model
The user can create pile segments using buttons above the table:
Add To add a new segment below the lowest segment in the model.
Insert To insert a new segment above the selected one.
Delete To remove the selected segment.

TIP: After adding or inserting a segment, it becomes the current (selected)

segment.

Adding, inserting, and deleting pile segments general rules:

1. The thickness of a newly added segment is zero by default.
2. The top boundary of an underlying segment is defined by the bottom boundary of the
overlying segment.
3. To change the thickness of a segment, the user modifies the bottom boundary.
4. A newly added segment appears as the last segment.
5. A newly inserted segment is placed right above a selected segment.
6. A segment's bottom boundary cannot be lower than the next segment's bottom
boundary.
7. When deleting a segment, a warning pops up.
Based on the values of the geometric parameters and structural properties, the

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cross-sectional area (A), moment of inertia (I ), axial stiffness (EA), flexural rigidity (EI )
and shear stiffness (GA) are automatically calculated and displayed.

2.5.6 EXPERT SETTINGS

The Expert settings tabsheet (Figure 2.28) has parameters as described below.

Figure 2.28 Expert settings tabsheet

Table 2.9 gives the minimum, maximum and default values for the expert settings
parameters.
Table 2.9 Minimum, maximum and default values for expert settings parameters

Property Min Max Default

Minimum monopile section length (m) - L 1.000
Max steps 1 10000 1000
Tolerated error 1- 0.500 0.0001
Max load fraction per step - 1.000 0.1000
Max number of iterations 2 250 100
Max displacement over diameter ratio - - 0.1000

Minimum monopile section length

The minimum monopile section length (in metres) divides the monopile into N beam
elements according to this relation: N = L / < Minimum monopile section length >.

Max steps
This parameter specifies the maximum number of calculation steps (load steps) that are
performed during the 1D calculation. The Max steps parameter should be set to an
integer number representing the upper bound of the required number of steps for a
calculation.
NOTE: The user should make sure that the specified number of steps suffices to
reach the applied load. If the number of steps is not enough a warning is
displayed after the calculation (Section B.2).

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Tolerated error
Within each step, the calculation program continues to carry out iterations until the
calculated errors are smaller than the specified value. If the tolerated error is set to a high
value, then the calculation is relatively quick but may be inaccurate. If a low tolerated
error is adopted, then computation time may increase.

numerical solution

}~act solution
load

displacement
Figure 2.29 Computed solution versus exact solution

Max load fraction per step

This value controls the size of the load step during the calculation. Since this is a fraction,
it determines what maximum part of a calculation can be solved in one step. For instance,
a value of 0.5 means that the applied load or unbalance is solved at least in 1/0.5 = 2
steps. More steps are possible if convergence is slow, but not fewer. The user might want
to use small values (like 0.02 to force at least 50 steps) to observe the kinematics of the
deformation process or to prevent divergence in case of high nonlinearity.

Max number of iterations

This value represents the maximum allowable number of iterations within any individual
calculation step. In general, the solution procedure restricts the number of iterations that
take place. This parameter is required only to ensure that computation time does not
become excessive due to errors in the specification of the calculation.
If the maximum allowable number of iterations is reached in the final step of a calculation
phase, then the final result may be inaccurate. Such a situation occasionally occurs when
the solution process does not converge.

Max displacement over diameter ratio

Max displacement over diameter ratio is used to end the analysis in case of diverging
iterations. This is another stopping criterion for the calculation apart from the input
workload. Displacement refers to the lateral displacement of the monopile at mudline.

2.5.7 CALCULATE
The user can click on the Calculate button to start the calculation process after specifying
the monopile geometry, loading, and importing the depth variation functions. For more
information on importing depth variation functions refer to Section 2.5.1.

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Calculation triggers the following two actions:

1. The generation of parameterised and normalised soil reaction curves per 0.5 m
intervals, and generation of shaft and base variation functions, based on the
imported ∗ .dvf file.
2. The calculation of the 1D model of the pile. The 1D calculation takes only a few
seconds. The results are presented in the Results mode.
After the calculation starts, a calculation window appears with a progress bar. Once the
1D calculation is completed either a green checkmark or a red cross icon appear to
indicate a successful or failed calculation accordingly. A message is also displayed next
to the icon to provide more information. The reader may refer to Section B.2 for the
complete list of the messages.
The graphs are automatically updated when the calculation is completed successfully.

NOTE: After calculation in the Analysis mode, the results presented in the
Results mode are automatically updated.

To zoom in/out, use the scroll or click-and-drag option from top-left to bottom-right or
click-and-drag from bottom-right to top-left.

2.5.8 RESULTS INSPECTION PANE

The results inspection pane can be used to view and analyse data which have been
obtained by processing the imported dvf file. This is done as part of the 1D calculation
procedure which is triggered via the Calculate button. The three different tabsheets which
are available for results are Soil reaction curves, Shaft depth variation functions and Base
depth variation functions.

Soil reaction curves

The Soil reaction curves tab (Figure 2.30) displays the parameterised soil reaction curves
derived from the processing of the imported ∗ .dvf in the Analysis mode. The soil reaction
curves are computed at 0.5 m intervals.
The results at predefined depths are shown. The embedded length L is divided into 10
equal segments to define the depths (0.1·L, 0.2·L, 0.3·L, 0.4·L, 0.5·L, 0.6·L, 0.7·L,
0.8·L, 0.9·L, 1.0·L). The selected depths are rounded to half a meter (up or down). A
legend at the left side of the panel indicates the various depths at which the Soil reaction
curves are displayed.

TIP: Charts are updated after a successful calculation.

The four types of soil reaction curves (p − ν , m − ψ , HB − νB and MB − ψB ) are

displayed in four graphs.
• The top graphs show the p − ν and m − ψ soil reaction curves along the monopile
at the predefined depths
• The bottom graphs show the HB − νB and MB − ψB soil reaction curves at the base
of the monopile (at depth L)

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Figure 2.30 Soil reaction curves tabsheet

Double-clicking on a graph pops up a new window, which displays a larger version of this
graph and the corresponding table with the results. Refer to Section 2.4.4 for more
information.

Depth variation functions

The depth variation functions are automatically generated or updated each time a 1D
calculation is performed. The Shaft depth variation functions and Base depth variation
functions show the variation of the fitting parameters along the shaft of the monopile and
at the base respectively.

NOTE: The depth variation functions displayed in the Analysis mode will be the
same as in the Calibration mode if identical monopile geometries are
considered.

Shaft depth variation functions:

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There are eight graphs which illustrate the variation of fitting parameters along the shaft
of the monopile. The variables shown in the graphs are defined in Table 2.4. Note that the
vertical (z) axis is not normalised, in contrast to the Calibration mode.

Figure 2.31 Shaft depth variation tab

For more information on the shaft fitting parameters, see Table 2.4.
Base depth variation functions:

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There are eight graphs which illustrate the values of fitting parameters at the base of the
monopiles. The variables shown in the graphs are defined in Table 2.5. In these graphs, a
single point is used rather than an actual variation since the base corresponds to a certain
depth which is equal to L.

Figure 2.32 Base depth variation tab

For more information on the base fitting parameters, see Table 2.5.
Double-clicking on a graph pops up a new window, which displays a larger version of this
particular graph and a table with the data. See 2.4.4 for more information.
An asterisk (∗ ) is displayed on the tabsheet title when the import option for the dvf file is
changed, the dvf file is updated, the embedded length L and/or the outer diameter Dout of
the monopile are modified. The graphs are not valid anymore. Recalculation is required
to update them.

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2.6 RESULTS MODE

This mode presents the results of the 1D calculation run in the Analysis mode. Additional
results for one of the calculated 3D models in the Calibration mode may be presented as
well for comparison between the 3D model and 1D model results. To display the results
from the 3D models the exact corresponding 3D model needs to be selected from the
drop-down list. The outcome of each analysed model and its calculated data is presented
in graphs and tables. The user can select which data to display.

NOTE: The results presented in this mode are updated only if the 1D calculation
in the Analysis mode runs again. This includes the data of the 3D models
presented in the combo box. Thus if new models are generated and calculated
in the Calibration mode, the 1D calculation has to be repeated to update the
data in this mode.

1. orkload (monopile head) 2. Load factor 3. Accura€ ‚ƒtric η „… Graph/table area

5. Models/ 6. Monopile and soil 7. Graph and table tabs Legend 8. Elevations 9.
Geometry data options
data sets
Figure 2.33 View of the Results mode

2.6.1 WORKLOAD AND LOAD FACTOR

In the 1D model, the user-defined input load (H and M) are increased by a factor of 3. At
the end of a successful calculation the load factor is the ratio between the reached load
and the user-defined load:
• A reached load factor higher than one indicates that the user-defined load can be
applied successfully. It also indicates the extra capacity (safety) of the structure.

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• Conversely, a load factor less than one indicates that the input load is higher than
the capacity of the structure.
Independently of the calculated load factor, the workload always represents the input load
specified by the user in the Analysis mode. The displayed value is either equal to (load
factor ≥ 1.0) or less (load factor < 1.0) than the input value depending on the capacity of
the structure.
All results presented in graphs and tables correspond to the applied workload.

2.6.2 GRAPH TAB

The graph tab shows the graphical results of the 1D model. It can also show the results
from one of the 3D models in the Calibration mode to enable a comparison between the
1D and 3D models, either for small deformations or large deformations.
The user can choose from various GeoDS present in the project using the 3D model
selector.
NOTE: To update the 3D results after any changes done in the Calibration
mode, the user needs to rerun the 1D analysis in the Analysis mode.

NOTE: No significant meaning can be derived from comparing different

geometries. It’s possible to go back to the Calibration mode and create a 3D
model with the final geometry for validation purposes.

Examples:
GeoDS_x (small) results from the small displacements 3D calculation
GeoDS_x (large) results from the large displacements 3D calculation

NOTE: The 3D data are only available at mudline for the H − v and M − ψ plots.

The user can select for which properties the graph is to be displayed. Nine radio buttons
control the data displayed on the graphs and the associated tables. The data is
represented in the graph and is labeled by the legend.
For the first two plots (H − v and M − ψ ), the data on the horizontal axis is provided for
three different elevations:
• head (z = h)
• mudline (z = 0)
• base (z = −L)

NOTE: The plotted values of the lateral reaction force H and bending moment
M are always at the mudline. The plotted values of the lateral displacement and
cross section rotation can be at head, mudline or base.

Monopile results:
H -v Lateral reaction force at mudline (kN) versus lateral
displacement (m) at the mudline, base or head

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Figure 2.34 Example of H-v at mudline curve

M -ψ Bending moment (kNm) at mudline versus monopile cross

section rotation (rad) at the mudline, base or head
v (z) Monopile deflection (m) over depth (m)
ψ(z) Monopile cross section rotation (rad) over depth (m)
M(z) Monopile structural bending moment (kNm) over depth (m)
Q(z) Monopile structural shear force (kN) over depth (m)

Soil results:
su (z) Undrained shear strength (kN/m2 ) over depth (m).
σ 'v 0 (z) Initial vertical effective stress (kN/m2 ) along depth (m).
p(z) Lateral soil reaction (kN/m) along depth (m) and base horizontal
force (kN) at the toe of the monopile.
The symbol (z) indicates that the corresponding output quantity is plotted over the
monopile's depth, where max(|z|) = −L.

NOTE: In the case that a sandy material type has been selected in the Soil
mode specified via the *.dvf file (Analysis mode), the option to display the
undrained shear strength (su ) along depth (z) is inactive.

2.6.3 TABLE TAB

Provides data displayed in the graph, including 3D data if selected and available (Figure
2.6.3).

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Figure 2.35 Example of table of results

2.6.4 ACCURACY METRIC η

The accuracy metric η (Figure 2.6.4) is an indicator of the goodness of fit between the
results of the 1D analysis and the selected 3D model. It is displayed only if a 3D model is
selected and only for Lateral load-displacements (H − v ) at mudline result type. The
value is shown in percentage (%) and is visible at the top of the graph. The closer the η
value is to unity, the closer the 1D analysis results are compared to the 3D model results.
Desired η values are in the range of 90-100%

NOTE: The user should use the accuracy metric η as a match indicator of the
calculation results between equivalent monopile geometries analysed under the
same soil conditions. This can be used to check the soundness of the
calibration procedure and the validity of the chosen final design.

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Figure 2.36 Example of accuracy metric η

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3 TUTORIAL MANUAL

3.1 TUTORIAL - NUMERICAL BASED DESIGN

This tutorial explains how to apply the Numerical-Based Design (NBD). The NBD is used
for a detailed concept design or a final design of a set of monopile geometries.
A typical clay soil profile encountered in the North Sea is assumed, with the following
depth variation profiles for the submerged unit weight γ (Figure 3.1 (a)), the undrained
shear strength su in triaxial compression (TXC) (Figure 3.1 (b)), the lateral earth pressure
at rest K0 in terms of effective stresses (Figure 3.1 (c)), and the small strain shear
modulus G0 (Figure 3.1 (d)).

ž' Ÿ ¡/m¢) su ª«¬/m­)

7 8 9 œ˜ œœ ¤ £¤ ¨¤¤ ¨£¤
˜ ¤
-5 -5
-œ˜ -¨¤
-œ— -¨£
z m)

z m)

 ©
-›˜ -§¤
-›— -§£
-š˜ -¦¤
-š— -¦£
-™˜ -¥¤
-45 -45
-—˜ -£¤
(a) (b)

K¶ ·-) G’ “”•/mŠ–
¯µ5 ¯µ7 ¯µ9 ´µ´ ´µ² ŽE ŒŽE ‘ŽE
± ‡

-5 -5
-´¯ -Œ
-´® -‹†
-³¯ -Š‡
-³® -Š†
-²¯ -‰‡
-²® -‰†
-°± -ˆ‡
-45 -45
-®¯ -†‡
(c) (d)
Figure 3.1 Submerged unit weight γ (a), undrained shear strength su in triaxial compression (TXC)
(b), lateral earth pressure at rest K0 in terms of effective stresses (c), small strain shear
modulus G0 (d).

TIP: In PLAXIS MoDeTo the submerged unit weight (γ 0 ) of the soil is used to
generate an effective stress state without water in the PLAXIS 3D models.

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A specific design space is also assumed. The design space consists of many monopile
geometries (models) that define an envelope in which the optimum monopile design is
expected to lie.
For this tutorial, the design space is defined by eight calibration models. Each model
corresponds to a PLAXIS 3D project and is used for the calibration and parameterisation
of the soil reaction curves. Figure 3.2 illustrates the adopted design space. The
geometric dimensions of the assumed final design case are also presented in Figure 3.2.
The final design is done using a quick 1D design model and is considered to be the
optimum design based on the examined soil profile, the assumed design space and the
adopted design criteria.

Calibration models Final design case

7
6
5
h/L (-)

4
3
2
1
0
2,5 3 3,5 4 4,5 5 5,5
L/Dout (-)

Figure 3.2 Adopted design space

The ultimate goal is to verify the results of the 1D model that represents the final design.
This is done by comparing the results of the 1D model against an equivalent 3D model.
Objectives:
• Form the clay soil profile.
• Define the design space by specifying the eight different monopile GeoDS to be
considered.
• Generate and calculate the 3D models which correspond to each GeoDS.
• Calibrate the 1D model, based on the data retrieved from all eight 3D model results,
through parameterisation.
• Run a number of 1D analyses against some of the eight GeoDS to ensure that the
1D model is well calibrated.
• Run 1D analyses to determine the final monopile geometry, based on the required
design criteria.
• Generate and calculate a new 3D GeoDS with the presumed optimum monopile
geometry.
• Compare the results between the 1D and 3D models with the optimum monopile
geometry to verify the final design.

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For simplicity, only one design criterion is used in this tutorial, being the displacement at
mudline (or seabed surface) must be less than 0.1·D when the design load H is applied
at height h above mudline.
Also, for simplicity, no thickness variation is considered in this tutorial for the final design.
The user might select to vary this parameter to achieve a further optimised final solution.
The 1D model, in contrast to the 3D model, does allow for thickness variations.

3.1.1 INPUT
General settings
• Start PLAXIS MoDeTo via the executable PlaxisMoDeTo.exe.
• In the Quick select dialogue (Figure 3.3) choose Start a new project and save the
project with the name "MoDeTo Tutorial" in the desired directory.

Figure 3.3 Quick select window

Soil mode - definition of the soil stratigraphy

First, the soil is defined by following these steps:
1. Make sure that the program is in the Soil mode.
2. Choose the option Clay (default) for material type, and generate the soil layers based
on the assumed clay soil profile. Add the needed layers by pressing the Add button.
The layer data are provided in Table 3.1.

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Table 3.1 Soil layer data

# ztop zbottom γ0 G0 su,top su,bottom K0

(m) (m) (kN/m3 ) (kN/m2 ) (kN/m2 ) (kN/m2 ) (−)
1 0 -10 7.5 75.00E3 50 70 1.0
2 -10 -25 8.0 100.00E3 80 95 1.0
3 -25 -40 9.0 120.0E3 110 115 0.9
4 -40 -50 10.0 140.0E3 120 140 0.8

The result after all layers have been added is shown in Figure 3.4.

Figure 3.4 Layers generated in Soil mode

TIP: The input value of the small strain shear stiffness modulus G0 corresponds
to the mid-depth of each soil layer (Figure 3.1). The values of G0 at the top and
bottom soil layer boundaries are calculated based on the G0 over su (value at
mid-depth of each layer) ratio. See Section 4.2.1 for more information on the
parameters.

Calibration mode - definition of the geometry data sets

The next part is to define some GeoDS by following these steps:
1. Proceed to Calibration mode.
2. Add all the needed GeoDS using the Add button, one by one. In the geometrical
characteristics fill in the data presented in Table 3.2.
To get a calibration with good quality, a lateral ground displacement of about 0.2·D is
needed. See Section 4.3.1 for more information on how to estimate the needed value
of vmax,z=h .

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TIP: When the Generate button is pressed, PLAXIS MoDeTo automatically

verifies the value of vmax,z=h for all selected GeoDS models. If a value
is specified outside the recommended range, a warning will be displayed
suggesting appropriate values.

TIP: If users want to perform changes in the default settings of the PLAXIS
3D models, then they are advised to first generate the first model (GeoDS_1),
then make the needed changes within PLAXIS 3D and afterwards add
all the other GeoDS. The addition of a GeoDS copies the last project,
including all the user-modified parameters. To adjust the geometry of the
newly added GeoDS, the Generate button should be used, which triggers
regeneration of all selected PLAXIS 3D models, based on the input
geometrical characteristics.
Note that the regeneration process maintains all valid manual changes, as
described in Section 2.4.2. However, be aware that any manual modifications
apart from the suggested ones, might affect the calculation of the results and
the validity of the parameterisation procedure.

Table 3.2 Geometry data sets

# h (m) L (m) Dout (m) t (m) vmax,z=h (m)

1 25.0 15.0 5.0 0.05 5.0
2 25.0 25.0 5.0 0.05 3.0
3 100.0 15.0 5.0 0.05 15.0
4 100.0 25.0 5.0 0.05 9.0
5 25.0 21.0 7.0 0.07 5.0
6 25.0 35.0 7.0 0.07 4.0
7 100.0 21.0 7.0 0.07 15.0
8 100.0 35.0 7.0 0.07 10.0

The definition of the parameters in Table 3.2 can be found in Section 2.4.2.

NOTE: This action automatically saves the project each time a new GeoDS
is added to the list.

The result after adding all GeoDS is shown in Figure 3.5.

3. The default values are used for the Structural properties, i.e. the Young's modulus E
and the Poisson's ratio ν of the plate material are E = 210 · 106 kN/m2 and ν = 0.3.
4. Select the first GeoDS and generate the PLAXIS 3D model by clicking the Generate
button.
NOTE: Note that this action automatically saves the project. The project is
saved after each generation is completed.

5. Open the model in PLAXIS 3D by clicking the Visualise button and ensure that the
generated soil profile consists of four soil layers with the correct top and bottom
boundaries.

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Figure 3.5 GeoDS generated in Calibration mode

Additionally, the validity of the generated material properties may be checked against
the formulations provided in Section 4.2.1.
The geometry of the monopile and the parameters assigned to the plate material
may be checked too for consistency.
Check the structure and quality of the generated mesh in PLAXIS Output by
previewing Phase_1 ("Pile wished in place"). This can be done via the mesh quality
metrics available under the Mesh menu item.
Close PLAXIS Output and Input after completing the checks suggested above. Note
that there is no need to save the PLAXIS 3D project as no modifications were done.
6. Multi-select all the remaining GeoDS (i.e. GeoDS_2 to GeoDS_8), and generate the
PLAXIS 3D models by clicking the Generate button.
7. Multi-select all eight GeoDS and press the Calculate button. The calculations are
performed sequentially.

NOTE: Note that this action automatically saves the project after each
calculation finishes.

NOTE: The calculations may take a long time (several hours) to finish.

8. The monopile response of all calculated GeoDS may be inspected in the right side
panel, under the tab Monopile Response. Selecting a specific GeoDS in the menu
highlights the corresponding curves in the graphs.
9. Focus on the "lateral reaction force against lateral displacement at mudline" graphs
(two top graphs, see Figure 9) for small and large displacements. Double-click the
graph for "large displacements" (the right graph), and inspect the values more

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accurately in the pop-up window. Select the Table tab to extract (copy-paste) all data.

TIP: Detailed 3D results can be inspected directly in PLAXIS Output by

selecting the calculated GeoDS and pressing the View button

Figure 3.6 Monopile results tab - displacement

10. Focus on the "deflection below mudline" graphs (two bottom graphs, see Figure 10)
for small and large displacement to ensure that the lateral displacement at zero
depth (at mudline, where z/L=0) is about D/10000 and D/5 respectively.

Figure 3.7 Monopile results tab - deflection

11. Select all eight GeoDS and press the Parameterise button. The soil reaction curves
from all selected models are taken into account in the calibration process. This
procedure results in the generation of the file calibrated.dvf within the project its
folder.
NOTE: The project has to be saved manually.

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12. Inspect the variation of the soil reaction fitting parameters along the depth as
presented in the tabs Shaft depth variation functions and Base depth variation
functions.

3.1.2 VERIFICATION OF THE CALIBRATION PROCEDURE

After all geometry sets have been generated, calculated and parameterised, the resulting
depth variation functions can be analysed.

Analysis mode
For the analysis do the following:
1. Make sure that the program is in the Analysis mode.
2. In the Depth variation functions section, the file calibrated.dvf that was created
and saved during calibration is selected by default. Leave this selection as it is.
3. In the Monopile geometry section, enter the values of the geometric parameters (h,
L, Dout ) which correspond to GeoDS_1, see Figure 3.5.
4. In the Workload (monopile head) section, enter a value for the horizontal force which
is equal to or exceeds the maximum reached lateral reaction force at mudline of the
PLAXIS 3D model which corresponds to the GeoDS_1 (see the Monopile response
tab in the Calibration mode). For the present example, a value of 3200 kN should be
used.
5. Add a pile segment by clicking the Add button on the Thickness variation tab. Enter
the thickness value t that corresponds to GeoDS_1, see Figure 3.5.
6. Click on the Calculate button to start the 1D analysis.

NOTE: The 1D calculation takes only a few seconds.

NOTE: Next to the Thickness variation tab, there is an Expert settings tab.
Use the default values, see Figure 3.1.2.

Figure 3.8 Expert settings - default values

Results mode
To compare and verify the results, carry out the following steps:
1. Proceed to Results mode.

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2. Select GeoDS_1 (large) from the options included in the 3D model combobox.
3. Compare the results of the 1D and the selected 3D model by inspecting the H − v
graph at mudline. See Figure 3.

Figure 3.9 Comparison of 1D and 3D model results

The high value (97.82%) of the accuracy metric (η ) indicates that the calibration of
the 1D model was done successfully via the parameterisation procedure.

NOTE: By default for the 1D analysis, the target lateral displacement at

ground level equals 0.1·D (see Expert settings tab of the Analysis mode).
The accuracy metric η is calculated based on that value. See Section 4.7.4
for more information on how the accuracy metric η is computed.

TIP: The user may also compare the response of the 1D and 3D models by
inspecting the M − ψ , v (z) and ψ(z) graphs.
Note that the v (z) and ψ(z) plots are comparable only if the maximum
displacement over diameter ratio parameter under the Expert settings tab
(Analysis mode) is selected such that the achieved lateral displacement at
mudline is approximately equal to the one of the 3D model. In this case,
the applied workload H should be high enough in order to obtain the target
displacement at ground level.

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3.1.3 FINAL DESIGN

In the present tutorial, a specific geometry is assumed to represent the final design,
based on the defined design criteria. The user is advised to try different geometries as
well in order to get familiar with the design tool. Note that only geometrical configurations
that fall within the assumed design space are recommended to be analysed.

Analysis mode
1. In the Analysis mode enter the following geometrical characteristics, which
correspond to the assumed final monopile design that meets the required design
criteria. See Table 3.3.
Table 3.3 Values of the final monopile design

# h (m) L (m) Dout (m) t (m)

1 60.0 20.0 6.0 0.05

The assumed design load for this tutorial is 3000 kN. This load corresponds to a
bending moment of 180.0 · 103 kNm at ground level, assuming that the load is
applied at height h above mudline, equal to 60.0 m.

TIP: The final design may consist of more than one pile segment with different
thicknesses. This can be done by adding more thickness sections by clicking
the Add button on the Thickness variation tab of the Analysis mode.

2. In the Results mode, inspect the H − v graph (at mudline) to ensure that the
displacement is less than 0.1·D when the design load H is applied, see Figure 3.10

Figure 3.10 Check displacement at design load

The design criterion is met, and the selected monopile design is adopted as the final one

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for the specified soil conditions and design space.

3.1.4 VERIFICATION OF THE FINAL DESIGN

Calibration mode
1. After determining the final monopile design, it is highly recommended that the results
of the 1D analysis are validated against the results of a 3D FE model with the same
geometrical and mechanical characteristics. In the Calibration mode, add a ninth
geometry data set with the geometrical characteristics given in Table 3.3. The value
of the parameter vmax,z=h should be defined such that a lateral displacement at
mudline of about 0.1·D is achieved (based on the specified design criteria). A value
of 7.0 m satisfies this condition for the present case study.
2. Generate and calculate the PLAXIS 3D model.

TIP: In case that more than one pile segment is employed in the final design,
the user needs to generate and then access the model in PLAXIS 3D to
manually introduce the needed additional plate materials.
The properties may be determined based on the parameters displayed within
the Thickness variation tab of the Analysis mode, namely: A, I, EA, EI, GA.
After creating the additional plate materials in PLAXIS 3D, it is necessary to
assign them to the corresponding plate elements, based on the thickness
of each monopile segment. The 3D project needs to be saved and then
calculated via PLAXIS MoDeTo.

Results mode
1. In the Results mode, select the final design (GeoDS_9 (large) in the 3D model
combobox) and compare the results between the 1D model and the PLAXIS 3D
model. The user may also inspect all the graphs mentioned above. A very good
match is achieved between the 1D and 3D results indicating a successfully validated
design procedure. See Figure 3.11 for the comparison in the H − v graph at mudline.
Notice the high value (96.82%) of the accuracy metric (η ), which indicates a good
match.

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Figure 3.11 Compare 1D and 3D model results for final design

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4 SCIENTIFIC MANUAL

4.1 INTRODUCTION

This part of the manual describes the technical basis of PLAXIS MoDeTo. The material
models that are used, the algorithm and modules, as well as assumptions and limitations,
are explained here.

4.2 MATERIAL MODELS

The following predefined soil types may be used in PLAXIS MoDeTo:

• Clay: modelled via the NGI-ADP constitutive soil model
• Sand: modelled via the Hardening Soil small-strain (HSsmall) constitutive soil model
The calculation of the material model parameters is explained in this chapter.
For further detail on the material models, please see Brinkgreve et al., (2017).

4.2.1 CLAY: NGI-ADP MATERIAL PARAMETERS

The NGI-ADP model (Andresen & Jostad, 1999) may be used for capacity, deformation
and soil-structure interaction analyses involving undrained loading of clay. The basis of
the material model is:
• Input parameters for (undrained) shear strength for three different stress paths/
states (Active, Direct Simple Shear, Passive).
• A yield criterion based on a translated approximated Tresca criterion.
• Elliptical interpolation functions for plastic failure strains and shear strengths in
arbitrary stress paths.
• Isotropic elasticity, given by the unloading/reloading shear modulus, Gur .
The NGI-ADP model parameters are determined based on the user-defined values as
follows:
• Drainage type: Undrained C†
• γunsat = γ 0 (input)‡ (kN/m3 )
• γsat = γunsat (kN/m3 )
• einit = 0.500 (default)
• Gur = G0 , input at mid-depth of the layer (kN/m2 )
• suA ref = su,top (kN/m2 )
• Gur /suA = G0 /((su,bottom + su,top )/2)
Note that, suA is the value of the active undrained shear strength at the mid-layer

† For hydrostatic cases, the situations different from the Head are considered. If the phreatic level in hydrostatic
conditions is equal to Head, no extra water level will be generated. For more information on head and water
conditions, see Section Defining water conditions in the PLAXIS 3D Reference Manual.
‡ By using γ ' (Input value) as γ
sat and γunsat effective stresses are calculated without the need to calculate the
water pressures. The phreatic level is set at the bottom of the model and that is why γ ' is used as γsat and γunsat .

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level§
• γfC = 60 · 100/Gur /suA (%)
• 0.5% ≤ γfC ≤ 75%
• γfE = 2.0 · γfC (%)
• 1.0% ≤ γfE ≤ 150%
• γfDSS = 1.5 · γfC (%)
• 0.75% ≤ γfDSS ≤ 100%
• suC,TX /suA = 0.99 (-)
• zref = ztop (m) (negative value)
• suA inc = (su,bottom − su,top )/(ztop − zbottom ) (kN/m2 /m)
• suP /suA = 0.5 (-)
• τ0 /suA = −0.5 · (1 − K0 ) · σ 0 v 0 /suA
where σ 0 ν0 = initial vertical effective stress at the mid-layer level (kN/m2 ). Note that
compression is negative.
• 0.0 ≤ τ0 /suA ≤ 0.95 (-)
• suDSS /suA = (1 + suP /suA )/2 (-)
• ν 0 = 0.495 (-)
• Rinter = 1.0 (-)
• K0 = input (-)
To allow tension cut-off, the Mohr-Coulomb (MC) model is assigned to the interfaces
instead of the NGI-ADP. The stiffness MC properties match the derived NGI-ADP
parameters presented above. The stiffness properties of the MC model, in terms of su
and su,inc , are adjusted to 65% of the strength of the adjacent soil material (Palix et al.,
2017).

4.2.2 SAND: HSsmall MATERIAL PARAMETERS

The Hardening Soil model with small-strain stiffness (Brinkgreve et al., 2017)
implemented in PLAXIS is based on the Hardening Soil model and uses almost entirely
the same parameters. In fact, only two additional parameters are needed to describe the
variation of stiffness with strain:
• the initial or very small-strain shear modulus G0
• the shear strain level γ0.7 at which the secant shear modulus Gs is reduced to about
70% of G0
The HSsmall model parameters are determined based on the user-defined values as
follows, based on Brinkgreve et al., (2010).
• Drainage type: drained

§ A minimum value of G /s A equal to 10 is adopted for robustness.

ur u

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• γsat = γ 0 (input)¶ || (kN/m3 )

• γunsat = γsat (kN/m3 )
• einit = 0.500 (-)
• G0 = input at mid-depth of the layer (kN/m2 )
• σ 0 3 = K0 · σ 0 1
where σ10 = σ 0 ν0 at the mid-layer level (kN/m2 )
• G0ref = G0 /[(c 0 ref · cos ϕ − σ30 · sin ϕ0 )/(cref
0
· cos ϕ + pref · sin ϕ0 )]m (kN/m2 )
• RD = 100 · (G0ref − 60000)/68000 (%)
• ref
E50 = 60000 · RD/100 (kN/m2 )
• ref
Eoed = E50
ref
(kN/m2 )
• ref
Eur = 3 · E50
ref
(kN/m2 )
• m = 0.5 (-)
• c 0 ref = 0.1 (kN/m2 )
• ϕ0 = input (◦ )
• ψ = input (◦ )
• γ0.7 = (2 − RD/100)·1E-4 (-)
• 0
νur = 0.2 (-)
• pref = 100.0 (kN/m2 )
• K0NC = 1 − sin ϕ0 (-)
• 0
cinc = 0.0 (kN/m2 /m)
• zref = 0.0 (m)
• Rf = 1 − RD/800 (-)
• tensile strength = 0.0 (kN/m2 )
• Rinter = 1.0 (-)
• K0 = input (-)
The allowed minimum and maximum Relative Density (RD), RDmin and RDmax , are not
defined for G0ref , i.e. 100% may be exceeded, but a lower and an upper bound of 10%
and 100% is applied to the calculation of E50
ref
and γ0.7 and Rf .
A separate interface material (HSsmall) is generated with the same properties but
dilatancy ψ equal to 0.0 and friction angle ϕ equal to 29.0 deg (Jardine et al., 2005). This
also allows the user to modify the properties of the interfaces separately if needed.

¶ By using γ ' (input value) as γsat and γunsat effective stresses are calculated without the need to calculate the
water pressures.
|| Note that γ 0 is used as both γ
sat and γunsat because the phreatic level is set at the bottom of the model.

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4.3 PLAXIS 3D MODELS

4.3.1 GENERATING 3D MODELS

The generation of 3D PLAXIS models is based on the model assumptions that are listed
below.

Model geometry
• Only half of a symmetric model of the monopile is modelled via the Tunnel designer.
This offers controllable geometry (re)generation, based on user-defined parameters.
The vertical plane at y = 0 is the plane of symmetry.
• The model contour is based on input parameters:
• The bottom depth of the last soil layer is as specified in the Soil mode.
• The total model length in the x-direction is equal to 12 monopile outer
diameters (Dout ) The distance from the centre of the pile to the right and left
model boundaries in the x-direction is 6 · Dout .
• Total model length in the y-direction equal to 4 monopile outer diameters Dout
The distance from the plane of symmetry (front model boundary) to the rear
model boundary in the y-direction is 4 · Dout .
• Borehole at (0,0) from ztop = 0.0 to a user-defined depth.
NOTE: The water table is placed at the bottom of the model.

• Fully saturated soil conditions for offshore applications and effective stress
approach.
• The user defines the number of soil layers in Soil mode.
• The basic soil parameter can be directly entered by the user (Soil mode), whereas
secondary parameters are automatically defined based on correlations.
• The user may change constitutive models and soil materials parameters in PLAXIS
3D.
NOTE: If the user changes the constitutive model or the material
parameters in PLAXIS 3D, the parameters defined in the Soil mode of
PLAXIS MoDeTo should match the updated values used in PLAXIS 3D.
This is because the values that are used during parameterisation come
from the Soil mode and not directly from the PLAXIS 3D models.

• The soil layer thickness cannot be less than 0.5 m. This is to prevent bad quality
meshes that lead to long calculation time and possibly inaccurate results.

Monopiles
• The embedded part of the monopile is divided into slices of approximately 1.0 m
depth during its generation via the Tunnel designer. The slicing takes place within
each soil layer, assuring that no monopile slice intersects boundaries between soil
layers. Note that if a soil layer is less than 1.0 m deep, then only one monopile slice
is generated within that soil layer.

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• The number of monopile slices per soil layer is determined based on the following
two hypotheses:
• the target thickness of a monopile slice is 1.0 m (fixed value).
• to determine the number of monopile slices per soil layer, the (user-defined)
depth of that soil layer is rounded up or down to the closest integer.
TIP: If the depth of the soil layer is 1.3 m, 1 monopile slice is created
with a thickness of 1.3 m. On the other hand, if the layer depth is 1.75
m, 2 monopile slices are created with a thickness of 0.875 m each.

• Linear-elastic isotropic plate elements (shells) are used to model the monopile
structure.
• The input properties of the plate elements (shells): are Young's modulus E ,
Poisson's ratio ν and wall thickness t .
• The top of the monopile is closed with a plate of the same properties, to apply a
prescribed displacement.
• The bottom of the monopile remains open.
• The monopile is weightless, i.e. the pile unit weight w is set to zero. The weight is
not taken into account because lateral loading and not vertical loading is considered.
• The monopile is 'wished-in-place' (i.e. no installation effects is considered) and then
loaded laterally.
• A prescribed displacement is applied to the top surface in the horizontal x-direction
thereby introducing a lateral force and bending moment at the ground level (the
latter is valid if the prescribed displacement is applied at a particular height h above
seabed).
• Interfaces are used at the outer surface of the monopile to model the soil-structure
interaction.
• Another (horizontal) interface is used at the monopile bottom to retrieve soil
reactions at the base.
• Drainage type of interface elements is always set to drained, to prevent suction from
developing at the active soil side of the monopile. In this case a gap is formed
between the monopile and the soil. Note that this requires the generation of an extra
(drained) material set for the interfaces.
• Based on the user-defined input values per PLAXIS 3D model and the structural
parameters specified, the following are calculated:
• inner diameter: Din = Dout − 2 · t
• cross section area: A = π(Dout
2 2
− Din )/4
• moment of inertia: I = π(Dout
4 4
− Din )/64
• axial stiffness: EA
• flexural rigidity: EI
• shear stiffness: GA = 0.5 · kEA/(1 + ν)
A constant value of k = 0.5 (independent of Poisson's ratio effects) is assumed to

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calculate the shear stiffness GA.

NOTE: The values of the parameters above, which are presented on the
GUI once a GeoDS is selected, are indicative based on the input diameter
and thickness. The plate elements in PLAXIS 3D, do not directly take these
quantities as input. For more information on the definition of the plate
elements the reader may refer to the PLAXIS 3D Reference and Scientific
manuals.

• Two 'soft' beams (Section 4.3.2) are placed on both the front and back edges (sides)
of the monopile for post-processing purposes.

Mesh
• The embedded part of the monopile cross-section is divided into 9 segments of 20◦
each to force a structured mesh at the circumference.
• A (refinement) zone around the monopile is generated to have structured mesh
extended:
• 0.20 · Dout at the monopile's circumference
• 0.15 · Dout below the monopile toe
• The considered default mesh settings are:
• pile above ground level: coarseness factor = 1.0
• embedded pile: coarseness factor = 0.5
• bottom of the pile: coarseness factor = 0.07
• surrounding soil: coarseness factor = 1.0
• beams: coarseness factor = 1.0
• coarse mesh:
• mesh command used in PLAXIS 3D 2017.01 or older versions: _mesh
0.075 256 True
• mesh command used in PLAXIS 3D 2018: _mesh 0.075 256 True 2.2
0.0175 1.0

Calculation phases
• The considered calculation phases are:
• Initial phase: K0-procedure
• Phase 1: Monopile installation (wished-in-place), plastic calculation
• Phase 2: Applying prescribed lateral displacements equal to vmax,z=h /1000,
plastic calculation
• Phase 3: Applying prescribed lateral displacements (input value, vmax,z=h ),
plastic calculation
• The considered default numerical settings are:
• Phase 2:

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• Solver = Pardiso
• Max load fraction per step = 0.02
• Tolerated error = 0.001
• Phase 3:
• Solver = Pardiso
• Max load fraction per step = 0.5
• Tolerated error for Sand = 0.01
• Tolerated error for Clay = 0.001
• Max unloading steps = 50
• Max steps = 10000
• Max iterations = 90
• Desired min iterations = 4
• Desired max iterations = 30

TIP: For more details, see the PLAXIS 3D Reference Manual.

Suggested Values of vmax

Under the assumption of having the monopile rotation point in the ground at a depth
approximately equal to 2 · L/3, the following formulas are used to derive the suggested
values of the parameter vmax,z=h for clay and sand based on the Similar Triangles
Theorem.
• min target displacement at the ground level is around 0.20 · D :
vmax,z=h = (h + 2 · L/3) · 0.30 · D/L
• max target displacement at ground level is around 0.30 · D :
vmax,z=h = (h + 2 · L/3) · 0.45 · D/L

NOTE: The estimated values are based on the assumption of a linearly

deformed pile. In the 3D FE model, the pile will bend. This implies that the
displacement at mudline for a given vmax,z=h will be smaller than the one
estimated based on the Similar Triangles Theorem. The difference is larger for a
higher h.

4.3.2 SOFT BEAM PROPERTIES

Two soft beams are attached to the monopile (at the front and back of the tube), to be
used for post-processing purposes. In the present version of PLAXIS MoDeTo the
post-processing merely concerns a manual comparison between the deflected shape of
the beams against the deflection of the monopile in the Calibration mode of the tool. The
stiffness of the soft beam is taken equal to Esteel /1000 (= 210 · 103 kPa) to avoid any
influence on the results.

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4.3.3 SOIL REACTION CURVES

There are four types of soil reaction curves:
• Distributed lateral load vs. lateral displacement: (p, v )
• Distributed moment vs. pile rotation: (m, ψ )
• Base horizontal force vs. lateral base displacement: (HB , vB )
• Base moment vs. base rotation: (MB , ψB )
After every successful PLAXIS 3D calculation, data is obtained from the nodal reaction
forces of the interface elements. This information is turned into resultant forces,
moments, average displacements and rotations along the shaft (with corresponding
depth) and at the base (with corresponding depth), to obtain the four types of raw soil
reaction curves. The following quantities are calculated:
• Monopile slices with thickness of about 1.0 m are considered. Note that the actual
slice thickness depends on the soil layering too (see Section 4.3.1)
• Force values are multiplied by 2 since only one symmetric half is modelled
• For every interface element, it is determined to which monopile slice it belongs
• The slice forces are P the summation of the forces from all the interfaces belonging to
this slice: pslice = (Fxinterface )
• The baseP (toe) forces are the summation of the forces from the bottom interface:
pbottom = (Fxinterface,bottom )
• The slice displacement is the average value of the lateral displacement of the slice
nodes vslice = u x,interface
• The base displacements: same as above, but considering only the bottom interface
nodes at the pile circumference
• The slice moment is calculated as a summation of the vertical
P node forces Fz times
the lateral distance from the axis of symmetry dx mslice = (Fz · dx )
• The base (toe) moment: same as above, considering the bottom interface
• The slice rotation ψslice is calculated using a least-squares linear fit to the vertical
displacement of the nodes on the cross-section
• The base rotation: same as above, but considering only the bottom interface nodes
at the pile circumference
• The following quantities are calculated at mudline (ground level):
• Lateral displacement at the front and the back of the pile (based on single
nodes), to check pile ovalisation
• Rotation as described above (least-squares linear fit)
• Horizontal force H as the result of integration from all horizontal soil reactions
along the monopile, including the base. This corresponds to the structural
(monopile) shear force at the mudline
• Moment M as the result of the integration of all soil reaction contributions along
the monopile, including the base, considering both vertical and lateral arms.
This corresponds to the structural (monopile) bending moment at the mudline.

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The normalised soil reaction curves are generated by the Optimisation Module, which
takes as input the data derived from the post-processor and the soil-structure data
provided in MoDeTo (Soil and Calibration modes respectively). The normalisation
process is based on local stiffness and soil strength parameters. It is triggered by the
Parameterise button.
The normalisation formulae for Sand and Clay are presented in Table 4.1:
Table 4.1 Normalisation formulae for Sand and Clay (Burd et al., 2018, Byrne et al., 2018b)

Component Clay normalisation Sand normalisation

Distributed load, p p = p/(su /D) p = p/(σ 'ν0 D)
p
Lateral displacement, ν ν = vIR /D ν = (vIR /D) · (pa /σ 'ν0 ) =
νG0 /(σ 'ν0 D)
Distributed moment, m m = m/(su D 2 ) m = m/(pD)
p
Pile cross section ψ = ψIR ψ = ψIs · (pa /σ 'ν0 ) = ψG0 /σ 'ν0
rotation, ψ
Base horizontal force, H B = HB /(su D 2 ) H B = HB /(σ 'ν0 D 2 )
HB
Base moment, M B M B = MB /(su D 3 ) M B = MB /(σ 'ν0 D 3 )

The normalised curves depend on the undrained shear strength, su , or the initial vertical
effective stress, σ 'ν0 , and therefore are depth-dependent (z ); pa is the atmospheric
pressure. The parameter IR is the rigidity index, defined as IR = G0 /su , where G0 is the
small-strain shear modulus and su the undrained shear strength in triaxialp compression.
The parameter Is is a stiffness coefficient defined as: IS = (G0 /pa ) · pa /σ 'ν0 .

4.3.4 RESULTS INSPECTION PANE

Monopile response of the 3D models
• The lateral reaction force at ground level is plotted against the lateral displacements
at ground level. The latter is a mean value of the displacements at the front and the
back of the monopile.
• The pile deflection profile below mudline is plotted based on the average lateral
displacements of the front and back of the monopile for each monopile segment.

Soil reaction curves

The following combinations may be plotted:
• Unchecked Normalised and unchecked Parameterised checkboxes (default): the
data of the raw soil reaction curves (extracted from the 3D FE models) are plotted
for the following predefined depths:
0.1·L, 0.2·L, 0.3·L, 0.4·L, 0.5·L, 0.6·L, 0.7·L, 0.8·L, 0.9·L, L (base)
• Checked Normalised and unchecked Parameterised checkboxes: if the normalised
raw data are selected to be plotted, then the data is derived from the raw soil
reaction curves and normalisation formulas presented in Table 4.1
• Checked Normalised and checked Parameterised checkboxes: the parameterised

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soil reaction curves obtained from the parameterisation procedure are plotted
• Unchecked Normalised and checked Parameterised checkboxes: the
parameterised soil reaction curves obtained from the parameterisation procedure
are denormalised and plotted

Depth variation functions: shaft and base

The plots are derived based on the .dvf files and the corresponding functions (Table
4.2).

4.4 OPTIMISATION MODULE

At a first stage, the raw soil reaction curves (obtained from the 3D finite element
calibration models) are normalised (using the forms in Table 4.1) and pre-processed to
obtain purely monotonic curves. These normalised soil reaction curve data are then
represented with the 4-parameter conic function shown in Eq. (4.1):

y x 2 y x ·k y
−n · ( − ) + (1 − n) · ( − )·( − 1) = 0 (4.1)
yu xu yu yu yu
where x refers to a normalised displacement (or rotation) variable and y signifies the
corresponding normalised soil reaction component. The conic function is calibrated by
the specification of four parameters (k , n, x u , y u ), each of which has a straightforward
interpretation. The parameter k specifies the initial slope; y u is the ultimate value of the
normalised soil reaction and x u is the normalized displacement (or rotation) at which this
ultimate value of soil reaction is reached. The parameter n (0 < n < 1) determines the
shape of the curve. This particular function was selected during the PISA project to
represent the soil reaction curves in the 1D design model (Burd et al., 2018, Byrne et al.,
2018b). To an extent, however, the choice of function is arbitrary and other possibilities
exist for the choice of functional form of the soil reaction curves.
The four parameters (k , n, x u , y u ) for each of the soil reaction components, and the way
in which the parameters vary with depth, are determined from the normalised raw soil
reaction curves by the optimisation module. This optimisation process incorporates data
from the results of all user-selected PLAXIS 3D models in the Calibration mode.
For numerical implementation purposes, the positive roots of y are:

2c
y = yu · p for x 6 xu (4.2)
−b + b2 − 4ac
y = yu for x > xu (4.3)

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where:
a=1−2·n
x x ·k
b =2·n· − (1 − n) · (1 + )
xu yu
x ·k x2
c= · (1 − n) − n · 2
yu xu
(4.4)

The shape of the conic function is strongly conditioned by the value of n, as illustrated in
Figure 4.1. For n = 0 and n = 1, bi-linear forms are obtained. For intermediate values of
n the function is curved.

Figure 4.1 Curves for different values of the n-parameter

The parameters corresponding to each soil reaction curve are:

• Distributed lateral load vs. lateral displacement: (p, v ) → (pu , v pu , kp , np )
• Distributed moment vs. pile rotation: (m, ψ) → (mu , ψ mu , km , nm )
• Base horizontal force vs. lateral base displacement: (HB , v B ) → (H Bu , v Hu , kH , nH )
• Base moment vs. base rotation: (M B , ψ B ) → (M Bu , ψ Mu , kM , nM )
The parameters needed to calibrate the soil reaction curves are determined by obtaining
a best-fit (based on least-squares) with the raw soil reaction curves. This process,
conducted by the optimisation module, is described in detail in Byrne et al., 2018b. The
procedure is summarised as follows.
Initially, values of the calibration parameters are determined for the distributed load and
distributed moment at depths where data are available, for all of the piles in the
calibration set. Calibration parameters are also determined for the base horizontal force
and moment. The general approach that is employed by the optimisation module to
determine these parameters is summarised below.
1. Determine appropriate values of ultimate displacement/rotation (v pu , ψ mu , v Hu , ψ mu )
to match the form of the numerical data.
2. Determine values of the ultimate values (pu , mu , H u , M u ).
3. Find values of initial stiffness (kp , km , kH , kM ) to provide a match with the initial
portions of the raw soil reaction curves
4. Determine the curvature parameters (np , nm , nH , nM ) to provide a fit with the data. At
this stage the curvature parameter for the distributed moment is set to zero (to
produce a bi-linear form).
Once the calibration parameters have been determined for the calibration set piles on a

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point-wise basis, a further model is developed (referred to as 'depth variation function')

which represent the variation with depth of the calibration parameters. The form of the
depth variation functions is specified in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2: Depth variation functions

Soil reaction component Fitting parameter Clay depth variation Sand depth
functions variation functions
Ultimate strain, c1 s1
v pu
Distributed lateral load, p Initial stiffness, k c2 + c3 · (z/Dout ) s2 + s3 · (z/Dout )
p

Curvature, np c4 + c5 · (z/Dout ) s4
Ultimate reaction, c6 + c7 · e c8·z/Dout
s5 + s6 · (z/L)
pu
Ultimate rotation, c9 s7
ψ mu
Distributed moment, m Initial stiffness, km c10 + c11 · (z/Dout ) s8
Curvature, nm c12 s9
Ultimate moment, c13 + c14 · (z/Dout ) s10 + s11 · (z/L)
mu
Ultimate strain, c15 s12+s13·(L/Dout )
v Hu
Base horizontal force, H B Initial stiffness, k c16 + c17 · (L/Dout ) s14+s15·(L/Dout )
H

Curvature, nH c18 + c19 · (L/Dout ) s16+s17·(L/Dout )

Ultimate reaction, c20 + c21 · (L/Dout ) s18+s19·(L/Dout )
H Bu
Ultimate rotation, c22 s20
ψ Mu
Base moment, M B Initial stiffness, kM c23 + c24 · (L/Dout ) s21
Curvature, nM c25 + c26 · (L/Dout ) s22
Ultimate reaction, c27 + c28 · (L/Dout ) s23+s24·(L/Dout )
M Bu

Figure 4.2 presents the adopted workflow.

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3D FEM (1) 3D FEM (2) ... 3D FEM (n)

0⩽|z|⩽L1 0⩽|z|⩽L2 0⩽|z|⩽Ln

set (1) of raw soil set (2) of raw soil set (n) of raw soil
reaction curves reaction curves reaction curves
p1 (z), v1 (z) p2 (z), v2 (z) pn (z), vn (z)
m1 (z), ψ1 (z) m2 (z), ψ2 (z) mn (z), ψn (z)
HB,1 (z), vB,1 (z) HB,2 (z), vB,2 (z) HB,n (z), vB,n (z)
MB,1 (z), ψB,1 (z) MB,2 (z), ψB,2 (z) MB,n (z), ψB,n (z)

Note: L1 is the monopile embedded length in 3D FEM (1), i.e. i = 1, which might be equal to L2, L3 etc.

parameterised soil reaction curves (1⩽i⩽n)

pത (z), vത (z)  4 fitting parameters per depth 16 depth
Optimisation ഥ (z)  4 fitting parameters per depth
m(z),
ഥ ψ variation
Module (OM) ഥ B (Li ), vത B (Li )  4 fitting parameters per L
H functions
Mഥ B (Li ), ψഥ B Li  4 fitting parameters per L

Figure 4.2 Calibration workflow

4.5 PLAIN TEXT FILE FORMAT RULES

The general rules for all plain text file formats are:
• No particular units are needed for the data, assuming that a consistent set of units is
used throughout the tool. Information regarding units can be found in Section 2.2.6.
• Lines starting with # are regarded as comments (and skipped).
• Leading spaces and tabs are ignored, i.e. a line starting with " #" is still regarded as
a comment.
• Tabular data columns are separated by single tabs (there is no intentional visual
alignment of numbers).
• Floating point numbers are written in full-accuracy scientific notation floating point
(i.e. ∼ 16 digits such as 4.659996895060823E − 19). The readers must not rely
on this. They must check tab separators rather than field length.
• The files are written in ASCII and must not contain any Unicode characters, nor
single-byte characters outside the allowed range (Char(9), Char(10, Char(13),
Char(32)-Char(126)).

NOTE: User-defined dvf files should comply with the rules presented above.

4.5.1 FORMAT: DEPTH VARIATION FUNCTIONS

The depth variation functions are stored following a simple format in a text file readable
as ASCII table by the tool. The name can be user-defined, but the extension of the file
should always be ".dvf". The file produced from the Optimisation Module in the

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Calibration mode, if the numerical-based design is followed, is named as "calibrated.dvf".

User-defined files of the same format can be created and imported in the tool via the
Analysis mode. This file starts with a recognisable flag (see sample files further below)
and contains:
• version number
• parameterisation function type, e.g. conic
• soil material parameters, including soil profile (Sand/Clay) and drainage type
(drained/undrained) per soil layer
• the used geometry data sets during the calibration: L, h, t, Dout , E
• the maximum reached displacement and rotation at ground level during the
calibration
• the fitting parameters
Note that the strings used in the file are case insensitive.
In total 28 parameters are needed to define the depth variation functions for Sand, and 24
parameters for Clay respectively. If the numerical-based design is followed, the values of
the needed parameters are defined by the Optimisation Module. If the rule-based design
is followed the user needs to specify the values.
This is a sample file for depth variations functions for Clay:
# Depth variation functions flag
PLAXIS MODETO DEPTH VARIATION FUNCTIONS
# Version number
1
# Parameterisation function type
conic
# Material type
clay
# Drainage type
undrained
# Number of soil layers
2
# SoilLayer ztop(m) zbottom(m) G0top(kN/m2) G0bottom(kN/m2) sutop(kN/m2) subottom(kN/m2) gammasubmerged(kN/m3)
1 0.00 -20.00 25.0E3 30.0E3 15.00 22.00 16.50
2 -20.00 -100.00 30.0E3 120.0E3 25.00 45.00 17.50
# GeoDS
# Number of GeoDS
4
# L(m) h(m) t(m) Dout(m) E(kN/m2)
60.00 50.00 0.010 10.00 210.0E+06
30.00 50.00 0.010 6.000 210.0E+06
50.00 45.00 0.010 6.000 210.0E+06
40.00 40.00 0.010 6.000 210.0E+06
# Max displacement reached at ground level (m)
3.005
# Max rotation reached at ground level (rad)
0.212
# Fitting parameters
c1
c2
c3
...
c28

This is a sample file for depth variations functions for Sand:

# Depth variation functions flag
PLAXIS MODETO DEPTH VARIATION FUNCTIONS
# Version number
1
# Parameterisation function type

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conic
# Material type
sand
# Drainage type
drained
# number of soil layers
2
# SoilLayer ztop(m) zbottom(m) G0top(kN/m2) G0bottom(kN/m2) ceff(kN/m2) phieff(deg) psi(deg) gammasubmerged(kN/m3)
1 0.00 -20.00 25.0E3 30.0E3 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.50
2 -20.00 -100.00 30.0E3 90.0E3 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.50
# number of GeoDS
4
# L(m) h(m) t(m) Dout(m) E(kN/m2)
35.00 50.00 0.010 10.00 210E6
30.00 50.00 0.010 6.000 210E6
75.00 45.00 0.010 6.000 210E6
60.00 40.00 0.010 6.000 210E6
# Max displacement reached at ground level
2.012
# Max rotation reached at ground level (rad)
0.546
# Fitting parameters
s1
s2
s3
...
s24

The 16 fitting parameters used in the conic function are derived from the values of the 28
(or 24) parameters presented above. They are used by the 1D FE model to conduct the
1D analysis and additionally to plot the depth variation functions in the Calibration and
Analysis modes (Results inspection pane).

4.6 1D FE MODEL

4.6.1 FORMULATION OF THE 1D FE MODEL

The 1D finite element model employed to represent the monopile, and the soil-structure
interaction behaviour, is based on the use of Timoshenko beam elements combined with
conforming finite elements for the soil. The numerical approach is described in Burd et
al., 2018, and Byrne et al., 2018b. The implementation details provided below are based
on a set of notes developed by Prof. H.J. Burd.
A 1D model of the monopile is shown in Figure 4.3. Plane sections of the cross-section
stay plane, although cross-sections orthogonal to the centroidal axis may not remain
orthogonal according to Timoshenko beam theory used to model the monopile.

Kinematics
Adopted kinematics are presented in Figure 4.4. Equation 4.6.1 describes the axial and
transverse displacements in a pile in a case where the neutral axis coincides with the
centroid of the pile.

w(y , z) = yψ(z) v (y, z) = v0 (z) + f (y ) (4.5)

where ψ is the clockwise rotation of the beam cross-section (assumed to remain plane),
v0 is the lateral displacement of the pile centroid, and f (y) is a function to represent the

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M
H

z y
ground level

Ìim¾Çȹ¿Í¾
beam Lateral soil
¸¹º»¼½¾¿
finite element
ÀÁÂÃÄ)

Distributed
moment
mÁÂà ψÅ

ƺǹ Ⱦ¸izontal
ɾ¸»¹ Ê Ë ÁÄ Ë )
ƺǹ
moment
M Ë ( ψË )

Figure 4.3 1D structural model of monopile foundation for a wind turbine (redrawn from Byrne et al.,
2018b)

coupling between the axial and transverse strains, which are defined by:
 
∂w dψ ∂f ∂v ∂w ∂v
εzz = =y εyy = γyz = + =θ+ψ where θ = (4.6)
∂z dz ∂z ∂z ∂y ∂z

Bending moment and shear force

The axial stress in the pile is σzz = Eεzz . The bending moment is:
Z Z 
dψ dψ
M= σzz ydA = E y 2 dA = EI (4.7)
dz dz

A positive bending moment causes tension on the y-positive side of the pile.

The shear force is:

Z
V = Gγyz dA = GAκ(θ + ψ) (4.8)

where G is the shear modulus, A is the cross-sectional area of the pile and κ is a shear
factor.

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z, w

y, v

ÎÏÐÑ ÒÓÔÕÕÖÕÑÒ×ÏÔØ

ÎÏÐÑ

Figure 4.4 Monopile foundation for a wind turbine support structure (redrawn from Byrne et al.,
2018b)

Virtual Work
At equilibrium the total virtual work is zero. The external virtual work is:

δWE = −HT δvT − MT δψT (4.9)

where HT and MT are the horizontal force and moment applied at the top of the pile (as
in Figure 4.4) and vT and ψT are the lateral displacement and cross-section rotation at
the top of the pile. The internal virtual work is:
Z  
dδψ
δWI = M + V (δθ + δφ) + p(z, v )δv + m(z, ψ)δψ dz + HB δvB + MB δψB (4.10)
pile dz

This may be expressed as:

Z  
dδψ dψ
δWI = EI + (δθ + δφ)GAκ(θ + ψ) + δvp(z, v ) + δψm(z, ψ) dz + δvB HB + δψB MB
pile dz dz
(4.11)

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Finite element discretisation

The pile is discretised into 2-noded finite elements as shown in Figure 4.5. The lateral
displacement within each element is determined using Equation 4.12:

Ù Ú

Le

Figure 4.5 2-noded beam element

v = N1h V1 + N2h Θ1 + N3h V2 + N4h Θ2 (4.12)

where Nih are set of Hermitian shape functions given by:

N1h = 1 − 3α2 + 2α3 (4.13)

N2h = αLe (1 − 2α + α2 ) (4.14)

N3h = 3α2 − 2α3 (4.15)

N4h = αLe (−α + α2 ) (4.16)

where α (0 < α < 1) is a parametric variable defined by the interpolation:

z = N1l Z1 + N2l Z2 (4.17)

and Nil are the Langrangian interpolation functions:

N1 = 1 − α N2 = α (4.18)

According to Astley (1992), within each element the shear strain is constant, γ0 and
therefore θ = γ0 − ψ . This gives:

v = N1 V1 − N2 Ψ1 + (N2 + N4 )γ0 + N3 V2 − N4 Ψ2 (4.19)

The first and second derivatives are defined as shown in Section 4.6.1.

Finite element equations for the pile

Bending terms:
dψ
. For the current beam element formulation:
The bending moment in the pile is M = EI
dz
dψ dθ dγ0 dθ d 2v
=− + =− =− 2 (4.20)
dz dz dz dz dz

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This may be expressed in matrix form:

dψ
= BB V (4.21)
dz
where:
 
2 h 2 h 2 h h 2 h 2 h
B B = d (N21 ) − d (N22 ) d (N2 +2 N4 ) d (N23 ) − d (N24 ) (4.22)
dz dz dz dz dz
h i
V T = V1 Ψ1 γ0 V2 Ψ2 (4.23)

The terms in BB are:

1h i
BB = 6 − 12α Le (6α − 4) Le (6 − 12α) 12α − 6 Le (6α − 2) (4.24)
L2e
The element force vector fB and the element stiffness matrix kB are:
Z Z
fB = B TB Mdz kB = B TB EIB B dz (4.25)
element element

Shear terms:
The shear force within the pile element is:

γ0 = B S V (4.26)

where:
h i
BS = 0 0 1 0 0 (4.27)

The corresponding element force and stiffness matrices are:

Z Z
fS = B TS Vdz kS = B TS κGAB S dz (4.28)
element element

Finite element equations for the soil

The lateral displacement v within the element is:
h i
v = BV V where B V = N1h −N2h (N2h + N4h ) N3h −N4h (4.29)

The element force and stiffness matrices are:

Z Z  
dp
f DP = B TV pdz k DP = B TV B V dz (4.30)
element element dv
The cross-section pile rotation ψ is:

dN3h dN4h

dN1h dN2h dN2h dN4h
  
ψ = Bψ V where B ψ = − + +1 − (4.31)
dz dz dz dz dz dz

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The element force and stiffness matrices are:

Z Z  
dm
fψ = B Tψ mdz kψ = B Tv Bψdz (4.32)
element element dψ

Hermitian shape functions

N1h = 1 − 3α2 + 2α3 (4.33)

N2h = αLe (1 − 2α + α2 ) (4.34)

N3h = 3α2 − 2α3 (4.35)

N4h = αLe (−α + α2 ) (4.36)

The first derivatives are:

dN1h dN1h 1
= −6α + 6α2 = (−6α + 6α2 ) (4.37)
dα dx Le
dN2h dN2h
= Le (1 − 4α + 3α2 ) = 1 − 4α + 3α2 (4.38)
dα dx
dN3h dN3h 1
= 6α − 6α2 = (6α − 6α2 ) (4.39)
dα dx Le
dN4h dN4h
= Le (−2α + 3α2 ) = −2α + 3α2 (4.40)
dα dx
The second derivatives are:

d 2 N1h d 2 N1h 1
= 12α − 6 = 2 (12α − 6) (4.41)
dα2 dx 2
Le
d 2 N2h d 2 N2h 1
= Le (6α − 4) = (6α − 4) (4.42)
dα2 dx 2 Le
d 2 N3h d 2 N3h 1
= 6 − 12α = 2 (6 − 12α) (4.43)
dα2 dx 2 Le
d 2 N4h d 2 N4h 1
= Le (6α − 2) = (6α − 2) (4.44)
dα2 dx 2
Le

4.6.2 IMPLEMENTATION ASPECTS OF THE 1D FE MODEL

Mesh
Pile height and embedded pile length mesh with the same element size. The maximum
number of elements in each part of the pile (height and embedded length) is set to 100.
Therefore, the finest mesh does not exceed a total number of 200 elements.
It should also be noted that the finite element equations of both pile and soil reaction are

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assembled along the same 2-noded elements of the mesh. In other words, there is no
distinction between pile elements and soil elements.

Solution control and arc-length method

In the 1D model, the pile structure is modelled by linear elastic beam elements whereas a
series of non-linear curves model soil reactions. This combination results in a non-linear
problem which needs to be solved in a series of steps. An iteration process is performed
in each step, to reduce the equilibrium error to a relatively small number. The pile-soil
system might also fail at a certain level of external loads. Here, the failure is reached
when the soil-reaction springs reach their ultimate capacity. Therefore, the solution
method should be able to trace the post-failure response of such a system. In the current
implementation of the 1D model, arc-length control is used as the solution method. The
main idea of the arc-length method is that the load increment ∆λ is considered as an
additional unknown. Among the various types of the method, Riks' formulation (Riks,
1979) is implemented. The main equations are presented. For more details on the topic,
see Borst, Crisfield, Remmers & Verhoosel (2012).
The incremental generated displacement (a vector of unknowns) ∆ui+1 and incremental
load factor ∆λi+1 are calculated using the following equations:

∆u i+1 = ∆u i + du i+1 (4.45)

i+1
du = du i+1
I + ∆λdu i+1
II (4.46)
−1
du i+1
I = K elastic r (4.47)
r = F iext − F iint (4.48)
−1
du i+1
II = K F̂ (4.49)
[∆u ] du i+1
1 T
∆λi+1 = I
(4.50)
[∆u 1 ]T du i+1
II

Where:
F iext : external applied load at iteration i (4.51)
F iint : internal forces at iteration i (4.52)
K elastic : elastic stiffness matrix (4.53)
i
∆u : cumulative vector of unknowns (displacements and rotation) at iteration i
(4.54)
∆λ: load factor (4.55)
F̂ : unit external load (4.56)

In the 1D model, the finite element equations of the pile-soil system need to be solved for
different variables, namely displacements and rotations. These displacements and
rotations are used to compute internal forces (shear and bending moments) which should
be in equilibrium with external forces. The presence of different units for forces and
moments requires an accurate convergence checking. For this purpose, an energy norm
is used to check for equilibrium:

(F iext − F iint ) · ∆u i
Error = < tolerance (4.57)
F ext K −1
elastic F ext

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Error checking using energy norms requires tighter tolerances compared to other
methods such as residual or displacement based methods. In the 1D FE calculation, a
default value of 0.0001 (10−4 )) is selected.

Automatic stepping procedure

In the 1D model, an automatic stepping scheme is adopted. The very first step size is set
to the user-defined Max load fraction per step parameter. At the end of each step, the
size of the next step is predicted. This new step size is a function of the total number of
iterations required for the convergence of the current step.
If a step takes maximum 6 iterations to converge, then the next step size is twice the
current one (up-scaling). On the other hand, if a step does not converge within maximum
15 iterations, then the current step size is reduced by a factor of 0.5 (down-scaling). For a
certain step with a successive scale-down process, scaling-down is stopped if the total
number of iterations exceeds the user-defined Max number of iterations.

Numerical integration
All the integral equations are evaluated using 4 Gaussian integration points.
Since all the shape functions and their derivatives are functions of the parametric
coordinate α, the following transformation is performed:

α = 0.5 · (1 + ξ) (4.58)

which transforms the standard Gaussian coordinates ξ ∈ [−1, 1] to the parametric

coordinates α ∈ [0, 1].

Precalculation checks
The following precalculation checks are performed by the 1D FE model before the
analysis is performed:
For the distributed lateral load:
1. If kp < kp,min → kp = c3 · (z/D) · kp,min /(kp,min − c2), otherwise kp = c2 + c3 · (z/D)
2. If np < 0 → np = 0
3. If np > 1 → np = 1
4. If v pu < pu /kp → v pu = pu /kp
5. If pu ≤ 0 or kp = 0 → the output of the conic function is set to zero: p = 0 and
dp/dv p = 0
Note that kp,min is a minimum value of the initial stiffness parameter kp , determined during
the parameterisation. This is to prevent negative values of stiffness close to the ground
level.
For the distributed moment:
1. if ψ mu < mu /km → ψ mu = mu /km
2. If mu ≤ 0 or km ≤ 0 → the output of the conic function is set to zero: m = 0 and
dm/dψ m = 0

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For the base horizontal force:

1. If nH < 0 → nH = 0
2. If nH > 1 → nH = 1
3. If v Hu < H Bu /kH → v Hu = H Bu /kH
4. If H Bu ≤ 0 or kH ≤ 0 → the output of the conic function is set to zero: H B = 0 and
dH B /dv H = 0
For the base moment:
1. If nM < 0 → nM = 0
2. If nM > 1 → nM = 1
3. If ψ Mu < M Bu /kM → ψ Mu = M Bu /kM
4. If M Bu ≤ 0 or kM ≤ 0 → the output of the conic function is set to zero: M B = 0 and
dM B /dψ M = 0

Post-processing
The 1D model calculates the primary variables, i.e. displacements and rotations on the
mesh nodes. The shear forces and bending moments of each finite element are
computed using the interpolated primary variables on the Gauss points. These forces
and moments are then extrapolated to the nodes. Finally, the values on the common
nodes of the neighbouring elements are averaged to ensure only one value per node.

4.7 RESULTS MODE

4.7.1 REALISED H
The realised horizontal force H applied to the monopile head is defined as a minimum of
Hinput and the Hinput multiplied by the Load factor:

H = min (Hinput ; Load factor · Hinput ) (4.59)

NOTE: The mentioned Hinput is referred to as H in the user interface (Analysis

and Results modes).

The H -v plot is based on the realised load H .

4.7.2 REALISED M
The realised moment M applied to the monopile head is defined as a minimum of Minput
and the Minput multiplied by the Load factor:

M = min (Minput ; Load factor · Minput ) (4.60)

NOTE: The mentioned Minput is referred to as M in the Analysis and Results

modes.

The M -ψ plot is based on the realised moment M .

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4.7.3 LOAD FACTOR

Hmax Mmax
Load factor = = (4.61)
Hinput Minput

NOTE: In the UI, H and M are indicated as Hinput and Minput .

The Load factor is calculated based on the input horizontal load Hinput and moment
Minput . The input horizontal load and moment are multiplied by 3.0 to derive the values of
Hmax and Mmax respectively. The horizontal load and moment are applied incrementally.
The increments dH and dM are determined per step until the maximum applied load
Hmax or moment Mmax are reached.
If Hmax and/or Mmax at the end of the calculation is less than Hinput and/or Minput then the
load factor will be less than 1.0 indicating that under the selected analysis settings the
specified input load and/or moment cannot be fully applied.
A load factor of 3.0 means that the input load and/or moment is at least 3.0 times less
than the maximum load and/or moment that can be applied to the pile, under the selected
analysis settings.

4.7.4 ACCURACY METRIC η

An accuracy metric, η , is computed to quantify the quality of the match between the 3D
finite element calibration analyses and the 1D model. The formulation and application of
the accuracy metric is described in Byrne et al., 2018b.
The accuracy metric η is displayed at the top of the graph of a selected 3D model of only
the lateral load-displacements (H -v ) at mudline. The accuracy metric is calculated as
follows:

(Aref − Adif )
η= ≤ 1.0 (4.62)
Aref
where Aref is the area under the reference curve up to a specific lateral displacements
threshold, i.e. the curve that corresponds to the (selected) 3D results, and Adif is the area
in between the curve of the 1D results and the curve of the 3D results, up to the same
lateral displacements threshold (Figure 4.6). A perfect match means the accuracy metric
equals 1.0. The lateral displacements threshold is defined as the lower value of the
maximum displacement reached by the 1D model and the selected 3D model.
Note that a low value of the accuracy metric η (close to zero) should also be interpreted
as a bad match. In all cases, the user is advised to visually inspect the compared curves
and not simply rely on the computed metric.

4.7.5 H -v AND M -ψ PLOTS

The values of H and M that are plotted on the charts and provided in the tables are
selected as follows:
• For the 1D analysis results the values of H and M are always retrieved from the
values of H and M at the head (Hhead , Mhead ) from the 1D model results.

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ÜÝ 1D

dline (kN)
ñ
ð
ë
é Û ref
è
êç
íï Û dif
î
íì
ë
ê
é
çè
Lateral

dif Lateral Þßàáâãäåæent (m)

Figure 4.6 Graphic representation of the quantities used to calculate the accuracy metric η

• The radio buttons in the chart influence only the displayed lateral displacements and
do not have any control over the displayed forces and moments:
• If head is selected → vhead and ψhead are plotted
• If mudline is selected → vmudline and ψmudline are plotted
• If base is selected → vbase and ψbase are plotted
• The table for the H -v graph contains all the information, no matter the selected radio
button. The following columns are provided:
• Model: 1D Analysis, GeoDS_x
• Hmudline [kN]
• vhead [m]
• vmudline [m]
• vbase [m]
• The table for the M -ψ graph contains all the information, no matter the selected
radio button. The following columns are provided:
• Model: 1D Analysis, GeoDS_x
• mudline [kNm]
• ψhead [rad]
• ψmudline [rad]
• ψbase [rad]
• The available data from a selected 3D model are plotted only in the case that the
mudline radio button is selected.

4.7.6 v (z) AND ψ(z) PLOTS

The data from the last calculation step of the 1D analysis are plotted. For the plots of the
data retrieved from 3D models, average values are used per monopile slice for the
deflection and the cross section rotation. Note that the lateral load applied to the 1D

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model should be adjusted properly in order to obtain a legitimate comparison between

the 1D and the corresponding 3D model.

4.7.7 su (z) AND σ 'v 0 (z)

The data plot on these graphs are retrieved from the imported dvf file in the Analysis
mode.

4.7.8 p(z) PLOT

The retrieving of the data from the 1D FE model output results is done as follows:
• Shaft :
• Continuous line
• Only for the last calculation step, all depths from zero to L are used, and the
corresponding lateral soil reaction is plotted
• Base :
• Single point
• Only for the last calculation step, the base horizontal force data at depth L are
plotted

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5 REFERENCES

[1] Andresen, L., Jostad, H.P. (1999). Application of an anisotropic hardening model for
undrained response of saturated clay. Proc. NUMOG VII, 581–585.
[2] Astley, R. (1992). Finite elements in solids and structures. Chapman and Hall
Publishers.
[3] Borst, R.D., Crisfield, M.A., Remmers, J.J.C., Verhoosel, C.V. (2012). Non-Linear
Finite Element Analysis of Solids and Structures. Wiley Online Library, USA.
[4] Brinkgreve, R.B.J., Engin, E., Engin, H.K. (2010). Validation of empirical formulas to
derive model parameters for sands. 7th NUMGE, Trondheim, Norway.
[5] Brinkgreve, R.B.J., Kumarswamy, S., Swolfs, W. (2018). PLAXIS 3D Material Model
Manual. PLAXIS B.V., The Netherlands.
[6] Burd, H.J., Byrne, B.W., McAdam, R.A., Houlsby, G.T., Martin, C.M., Beuckelaers,
W.J.A.P., Zdravković, L., Taborda, D.M.G., Potts, D.M., Jardine, R.J., Gavin, K.,
Doherty, P., Igoe, D., Skov Gretlund, J., Pacheco Andrade, M., Muir Wood, A. (2017).
Design aspects for monopile foundations. In proceedings of TC209 Workshop -
Foundation Design of Offshore Wind Structures, At Seoul, Korea, 35–44.
[7] Burd, H.J., Taborda, D.M.G., Zdravković, L., Abadie, C.N., Byrne, B.W., Houlsby,
G.T., Gavin, K., Igoe, D., Jardine, R.J., Martin, C.M., McAdam, R.A., Pedro, A.M.G.,
Potts, D.M. (2018). PISA Design Model for Monopiles for Offshore Wind Turbines:
Application to a Marine Sand (submitted).
[8] Byrne, B.W., Burd, H.J., Kenneth, G., Houlsby, G.T., Jardine, R.J., McAdam, R.A.,
Martin, C.M., Potts, D.M., Taborda, D.M.G., Zdravković, L. (2018a). PISA: Recent
Developments in Offshore Wind Turbine Monopile Design. In Vietnam Symposium
on Advances in Offshore Engineering.
[9] Byrne, B.W., Houlsby, G.T., Burd, H.J., Gavin, K., Igoe, D., Jardine, R.J., Martin,
C.M., McAdam, R.A., Potts, D.M., Taborda, D.M.G., Zdravković, L. (2018b). PISA
design model for monopiles for offshore wind turbines: Application to a stiff glacial
clay till (submitted).
[10] Byrne, B.W., McAdam, R.A., Burd, H.J., Houlsby, G.T., Martin, C.M., Beuckelaer,
W.J.A.P., Taborda, L.Z.D.M.G., Jardine, R.J., Liu, E.U.T., Abadias, D., Gavin, K.,
Igoe, D., Doherty, P., Skov Gretlund, J., Pacheco Andrade, M., Muir Wood, A.,
Schroeder, F.C., Turner, S., Plummer, M.A.L. (2017). PISA: new design methods for
offshore wind turbine monopiles. In proceedings of the Offshore Site Investigation
and Geotechnics International Conference (OSIG), 142–161.
[11] Byrne, B.W., McAdam, R.A., Burd, H.J., Houlsby, G.T., Martin, C.M., Gavin, K.,
Doherty, P., Igoe, D., Zdravković, L., Tabordo, D.M.G., Potts, D.M., Jardine, R.J.,
Sideri, M., Schroeder, F.C., Muir Wood, A., Kellehave, D., Skov Gretlund, J. (2015a).
Field testing of large diameter piles under lateral loading for offshore wind
applications. Third International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics
(ISFOG 2015).
[12] Byrne, B.W., McAdam, R.A., Burd, H.J., Houlsby, G.T., Martin, C.M., Zdravković, L.,
Taborda, D.M.G., Potts, D.M., Jardine, R.J., Sideri, M., Schroeder, F.C., Gavin, K.,
Doherty, P., Igoe, D., Muir Wood, A., Kellahave, D., Skov Gretlund, J. (2015b). New

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design methods for large diameter piles under lateral loading for offshore wind
applications. In proceedings of Third International Symposium on Frontiers in
Offshore Geotechics, volume 1, 705–7010.
[13] Jardine, R., Chow, F., Overy, R. (2005). ICP design methods for driven piles in sands
and clays. Thomas Telford, London.
[14] Palix, E., Willems, T., Kay, S. (2011). Caisson capacity in clay: VHM resistance
envelope - part 1: 3D FEM numerical study. Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics
(ISFOG), 753–758.
[15] Panagoulias, S., Brinkgreve, R.B., Minga, E., Burd, H.J., McAdam, R.A. (2018a).
Application of the PISA framework to the design of offshore wind turbine monopile
foundations. WindEurope 2018 Conference at the Global Wind Summit, Hamburg,
Germany.
[16] Panagoulias, S., Hosseini, S., Brinkgreve, R. (2018b). An innovative design
methodology for offshore wind monopile foundations. 26th European Young
Geotechnical Engineers Conference, Graz, Austria.
[17] Riks, E. (1979). An incremental approach to the solution of snapping and buckling
problems. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 524–551.
[18] Winkler, E. (1867). Die lehre von elasticitat und festigkeit. H. Dominicus, Prague.
[19] Zdravković, L., Taborda, D., Potts, D., Jardine, R., Sideri, M., Schroeder, F.C., Byrne,
B.W., Burd, R.A.M.H.J., Houlsby, G.T., Martin, C.M., Gavin, K., Doherty, P., Igoe, D.,
Muir Wood, A., Kellahave, D., Skov Gretlund, J. (2015). Numerical modelling of large
diameter piles under lateral loading for offshore wind applications. In proceedings of
Third International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics (ISFOG 2015),
1, 759–764.

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APPENDIX A - THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE LICENSES/NOTICES

comtypes
The MIT License:
Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this
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EasyGUI
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About...: EasyGUI is a module for very simple, very easy GUI programming in Python.
Author..: Stephen Raymond Ferg HomePage: http://easygui.sourceforge.net
=====================================================================
Executive summary
=====================================================================
This license is what is generally known as the "modified BSD license" (aka "revised
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BSD_licenses#3-clause_license_.28.22New_
BSD_License.22.29
=====================================================================
LICENSE
=====================================================================
EasyGui version0.96 EasyGui version0.95 Copyright (c) 2010, Stephen Raymond Ferg
All rights reserved.

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 APPENDIX A - THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE LICENSES/NOTICES

Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are
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NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS

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SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF

SUCH DAMAGE.

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prior written permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,

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INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF

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g. Licensed Rights means the rights granted to You subject to the terms and conditions of
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Licensed Material.

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 APPENDIX A - THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE LICENSES/NOTICES

6. No endorsement. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be construed as

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Section 4 – Sui Generis Database Rights.

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

Where the Licensed Rights include Sui Generis Database Rights that apply to Your use
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2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

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For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may
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matplotlib
License:
Matplotlib only uses BSD compatible code, and its license is based on the PSF license.
See the Open Source Initiative licenses page for details on individual licenses. Non-BSD
compatible licenses (e.g., LGPL) are acceptable in matplotlib toolkits. For a discussion of
the motivations behind the licencing choice, see Licenses. Copyright Policy
John Hunter began matplotlib around 2003. Since shortly before his passing in 2012,
Michael Droettboom has been the lead maintainer of matplotlib, but, as has always been
the case, matplotlib is the work of many.
Prior to July of 2013, and the 1.3.0 release, the copyright of the source code was held by
John Hunter. As of July 2013, and the 1.3.0 release, matplotlib has moved to a shared
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matplotlib uses a shared copyright model. Each contributor maintains copyright over their
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the copyright of any single person or institution. Instead, it is the collective copyright of
the entire matplotlib Development Team. If individual contributors want to maintain a

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

record of what changes/contributions they have specific copyright on, they should
indicate their copyright in the commit message of the change, when they commit the
change to one of the matplotlib repositories.
The Matplotlib Development Team is the set of all contributors to the matplotlib project. A
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1. This LICENSE AGREEMENT is between the Matplotlib Development Team ("MDT"),
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versions prior to 1.3.0
1. This LICENSE AGREEMENT is between John D. Hunter ("JDH"), and the Individual or
Organization ("Licensee") accessing and otherwise using matplotlib software in source or
binary form and its associated documentation.

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 APPENDIX A - THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE LICENSES/NOTICES

2. Subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, JDH hereby grants
Licensee a nonexclusive, royalty-free, world-wide license to reproduce, analyze, test,
perform and/or display publicly, prepare derivative works, distribute, and otherwise use
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All Rights Reserved" are retained in matplotlib 2.2.2 alone or in any derivative version
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matplotlib 2.2.2 or any part thereof, and wants to make the derivative work available to
others as provided herein, then Licensee hereby agrees to include in any such work a
brief summary of the changes made to matplotlib 2.2.2.
4. JDH is making matplotlib 2.2.2 available to Licensee on an "AS IS" basis. JDH MAKES
NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. BY WAY OF
EXAMPLE, BUT NOT LIMITATION, JDH MAKES NO AND DISCLAIMS ANY
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR THAT THE USE OF MATPLOTLIB 2.2.2 WILL NOT
INFRINGE ANY THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.
5. JDH SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER USERS OF
MATPLOTLIB 2.2.2 FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OR LOSS AS A RESULT OF MODIFYING, DISTRIBUTING, OR
OTHERWISE USING MATPLOTLIB 2.2.2, OR ANY DERIVATIVE THEREOF, EVEN IF
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
6. This License Agreement will automatically terminate upon a material breach of its
terms and conditions.
7. Nothing in this License Agreement shall be deemed to create any relationship of
agency, partnership, or joint venture between JDH and Licensee. This License
Agreement does not grant permission to use JDH trademarks or trade name in a
trademark sense to endorse or promote products or services of Licensee, or any third
party.
8. By copying, installing or otherwise using matplotlib 2.2.2, Licensee agrees to be bound
by the terms and conditions of this License Agreement.

Numba
License:
Copyright (c) 2012, Anaconda, Inc. All rights reserved.
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are
permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer.
Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials
provided with the distribution. THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT
HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF

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MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE

DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER OR CONTRIBUTORS
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT
OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

NumPy
NumPy license:
Copyright ©2005-2018, NumPy Developers. All rights reserved.
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are
permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the
above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the
documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution. Neither the name of
the NumPy Developers nor the names of any contributors may be used to endorse or
promote products derived from this software without specific prior written permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT
OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

Pillow
License:
The Python Imaging Library (PIL) is
Copyright © 1997-2011 by Secret Labs AB Copyright © 1995-2011 by Fredrik Lundh
Pillow is the friendly PIL fork. It is
Copyright © 2010-2018 by Alex Clark and contributors
Like PIL, Pillow is licensed under the open source PIL Software License:
By obtaining, using, and/or copying this software and/or its associated documentation,
you agree that you have read, understood, and will comply with the following terms and
conditions:

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Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software and its associated
documentation for any purpose and without fee is hereby granted, provided that the
above copyright notice appears in all copies, and that both that copyright notice and this
permission notice appear in supporting documentation, and that the name of Secret Labs
AB or the author not be used in advertising or publicity pertaining to distribution of the
software without specific, written prior permission.
SECRET LABS AB AND THE AUTHOR DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH
REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS. IN NO EVENT SHALL SECRET LABS AB OR THE
AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE,
DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR
OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE
OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.

psutil
License:
psutil is distributed under BSD license reproduced below.
Copyright (c) 2009, Jay Loden, Dave Daeschler, Giampaolo Rodola’ All rights reserved.
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are
permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
* Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer. * Redistributions in binary form must reproduce
the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the
documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution. * Neither the name
of the psutil authors nor the names of its contributors may be used to endorse or promote
products derived from this software without specific prior written permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT
OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

PyCXX
Copyright:
Copyright (c) 1998 - 2007 The Regents of the University of California Produced at the
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Written by Geoff Furnish, Paul F. Dubois, Barry
A. Scott UCRL-CODE-227018 All rights reserved.

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This file is part of PyCXX. For details, see http://cxx.sourceforge.net.

Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are
permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
- Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the disclaimer below. - Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the
above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the disclaimer (as noted below) in the
documentation and/or materials provided with the distribution. - Neither the name of the
UC/LLNL nor the names of its contributors may be used to endorse or promote products
derived from this software without specific prior written permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE
FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT
OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
Additional BSD Notice
1. This notice is required to be provided under our contract with the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE). This work was produced at the University of California, Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. W-7405-ENG-48 with the DOE.
2. Neither the United States Government nor the University of California nor any of their
employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any liability or
responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information,
apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe
privately-owned rights.
3. Also, reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or services by
trade name, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or
imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or
the University of California. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not
necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or the University of
California, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

PyInstaller
License:
PyInstaller is distributed under the GPL License but with an exception that allows you to
use it to build commercial products:
1. You may use PyInstaller to bundle commercial applications out of your source code. 2.
The executable bundles generated by PyInstaller from your source code can be shipped
with whatever license you want. 3. You may modify PyInstaller for your own needs but

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changes to the PyInstaller source code fall under the terms of the GPL license. That is, if
you distribute your modifications you must distribute them under GPL terms.

pyperclip
The 3-Clause BSD License:
Note: This license has also been called the "New BSD License" or "Modified BSD
License". See also the 2-clause BSD License.
Copyright <YEAR> <COPYRIGHT HOLDER>
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are
permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer.
2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials
provided with the distribution.
3. Neither the name of the copyright holder nor the names of its contributors may be used
to endorse or promote products derived from this software without specific prior written
permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER OR CONTRIBUTORS
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT
OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

PyQtGraph
License:
Copyright (c) 2012 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Luke Campagnola
(’luke.campagnola@%s.com’ % ’gmail’)
The MIT License Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a
copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the
Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify,
merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit
persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or
substantial portions of the Software.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,

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EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF

MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT
HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY,
WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER
DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

PySide
License: GNU Library or Lesser General Public License (LGPL):
Copyright © 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc. <https://fsf.org/>
Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document,
but changing it is not allowed.
This version of the GNU Lesser General Public License incorporates the terms and
conditions of version 3 of the GNU General Public License, supplemented by the
additional permissions listed below. 0. Additional Definitions.
As used herein, "this License" refers to version 3 of the GNU Lesser General Public
License, and the "GNU GPL" refers to version 3 of the GNU General Public License.
"The Library" refers to a covered work governed by this License, other than an
Application or a Combined Work as defined below.
An "Application" is any work that makes use of an interface provided by the Library, but
which is not otherwise based on the Library. Defining a subclass of a class defined by the
Library is deemed a mode of using an interface provided by the Library.
A "Combined Work" is a work produced by combining or linking an Application with the
Library. The particular version of the Library with which the Combined Work was made is
also called the "Linked Version".
The "Minimal Corresponding Source" for a Combined Work means the Corresponding
Source for the Combined Work, excluding any source code for portions of the Combined
Work that, considered in isolation, are based on the Application, and not on the Linked
Version.
The "Corresponding Application Code" for a Combined Work means the object code
and/or source code for the Application, including any data and utility programs needed for
reproducing the Combined Work from the Application, but excluding the System Libraries
of the Combined Work. 1. Exception to Section 3 of the GNU GPL.
You may convey a covered work under sections 3 and 4 of this License without being
bound by section 3 of the GNU GPL. 2. Conveying Modified Versions.
If you modify a copy of the Library, and, in your modifications, a facility refers to a function
or data to be supplied by an Application that uses the facility (other than as an argument
passed when the facility is invoked), then you may convey a copy of the modified version:
a) under this License, provided that you make a good faith effort to ensure that, in the
event an Application does not supply the function or data, the facility still operates, and
performs whatever part of its purpose remains meaningful, or b) under the GNU GPL,
with none of the additional permissions of this License applicable to that copy.

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 APPENDIX A - THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE LICENSES/NOTICES

3. Object Code Incorporating Material from Library Header Files.

The object code form of an Application may incorporate material from a header file that is
part of the Library. You may convey such object code under terms of your choice,
provided that, if the incorporated material is not limited to numerical parameters, data
structure layouts and accessors, or small macros, inline functions and templates (ten or
fewer lines in length), you do both of the following:
a) Give prominent notice with each copy of the object code that the Library is used in it
and that the Library and its use are covered by this License. b) Accompany the object
code with a copy of the GNU GPL and this license document.
4. Combined Works.
You may convey a Combined Work under terms of your choice that, taken together,
effectively do not restrict modification of the portions of the Library contained in the
Combined Work and reverse engineering for debugging such modifications, if you also do
each of the following:
a) Give prominent notice with each copy of the Combined Work that the Library is used in
it and that the Library and its use are covered by this License. b) Accompany the
Combined Work with a copy of the GNU GPL and this license document. c) For a
Combined Work that displays copyright notices during execution, include the copyright
notice for the Library among these notices, as well as a reference directing the user to the
copies of the GNU GPL and this license document. d) Do one of the following: 0) Convey
the Minimal Corresponding Source under the terms of this License, and the
Corresponding Application Code in a form suitable for, and under terms that permit, the
user to recombine or relink the Application with a modified version of the Linked Version
to produce a modified Combined Work, in the manner specified by section 6 of the GNU
GPL for conveying Corresponding Source. 1) Use a suitable shared library mechanism
for linking with the Library. A suitable mechanism is one that (a) uses at run time a copy
of the Library already present on the user’s computer system, and (b) will operate
properly with a modified version of the Library that is interface-compatible with the Linked
Version. e) Provide Installation Information, but only if you would otherwise be required to
provide such information under section 6 of the GNU GPL, and only to the extent that
such information is necessary to install and execute a modified version of the Combined
Work produced by recombining or relinking the Application with a modified version of the
Linked Version. (If you use option 4d0, the Installation Information must accompany the
Minimal Corresponding Source and Corresponding Application Code. If you use option
4d1, you must provide the Installation Information in the manner specified by section 6 of
the GNU GPL for conveying Corresponding Source.)
5. Combined Libraries.
You may place library facilities that are a work based on the Library side by side in a
single library together with other library facilities that are not Applications and are not
covered by this License, and convey such a combined library under terms of your choice,
if you do both of the following:
a) Accompany the combined library with a copy of the same work based on the Library,
uncombined with any other library facilities, conveyed under the terms of this License. b)
Give prominent notice with the combined library that part of it is a work based on the
Library, and explaining where to find the accompanying uncombined form of the same
work.

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6. Revised Versions of the GNU Lesser General Public License.

The Free Software Foundation may publish revised and/or new versions of the GNU
Lesser General Public License from time to time. Such new versions will be similar in
spirit to the present version, but may differ in detail to address new problems or concerns.
Each version is given a distinguishing version number. If the Library as you received it
specifies that a certain numbered version of the GNU Lesser General Public License "or
any later version" applies to it, you have the option of following the terms and conditions
either of that published version or of any later version published by the Free Software
Foundation. If the Library as you received it does not specify a version number of the
GNU Lesser General Public License, you may choose any version of the GNU Lesser
General Public License ever published by the Free Software Foundation.
If the Library as you received it specifies that a proxy can decide whether future versions
of the GNU Lesser General Public License shall apply, that proxy’s public statement of
acceptance of any version is permanent authorization for you to choose that version for
the Library.

Python 3.4
Python 3.4.0 license:
A. HISTORY OF THE SOFTWARE ==========================
Python was created in the early 1990s by Guido van Rossum at Stichting Mathematisch
Centrum (CWI, see http://www.cwi.nl) in the Netherlands as a successor of a language
called ABC. Guido remains Python’s principal author, although it includes many
contributions from others.
In 1995, Guido continued his work on Python at the Corporation for National Research
Initiatives (CNRI, see http://www.cnri.reston.va.us) in Reston, Virginia where he released
several versions of the software.
In May 2000, Guido and the Python core development team moved to BeOpen.com to
form the BeOpen PythonLabs team. In October of the same year, the PythonLabs team
moved to Digital Creations (now Zope Corporation, see http://www.zope.com). In 2001,
the Python Software Foundation (PSF, see http://www.python.org/psf/) was formed, a
non-profit organization created specifically to own Python-related Intellectual Property.
Zope Corporation is a sponsoring member of the PSF.
All Python releases are Open Source (see http://www.opensource.org for the Open
Source Definition). Historically, most, but not all, Python releases have also been
GPL-compatible; the table below summarizes the various releases.
Release Derived Year Owner GPL- from compatible? (1)
0.9.0 thru 1.2 1991-1995 CWI yes
1.3 thru 1.5.2 1.2 1995-1999 CNRI yes
1.6 1.5.2 2000 CNRI no
2.0 1.6 2000 BeOpen.com no1.6.1 1.6 2001 CNRI yes (2)2.1 2.0+1.6.1 2001 PSF
no2.0.1 2.0+1.6.1 2001 PSF yes2.1.1 2.1+2.0.1 2001 PSF yes2.2 2.1.1 2001 PSF
yes2.1.2 2.1.1 2002 PSF yes2.1.3 2.1.2 2002 PSF yes2.2.1 2.2 2002 PSF yes2.2.2 2.2.1
2002 PSF yes2.2.3 2.2.2 2003 PSF yes2.3 2.2.2 2002-2003 PSF yes2.3.1 2.3 2002-2003
PSF yes2.3.2 2.3.1 2002-2003 PSF yes2.3.3 2.3.2 2002-2003 PSF yes2.3.4 2.3.3 2004

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PSF yes2.3.5 2.3.4 2005 PSF yes2.4 2.3 2004 PSF yes2.4.1 2.4 2005 PSF yes2.4.2
2.4.1 2005 PSF yes2.4.3 2.4.2 2006 PSF yes2.4.4 2.4.3 2006 PSF yes2.5 2.4 2006 PSF
yes2.5.1 2.5 2007 PSF yes2.5.2 2.5.1 2008 PSF yes2.5.3 2.5.2 2008 PSF yes2.6 2.5
2008 PSF yes2.6.1 2.6 2008 PSF yes2.6.2 2.6.1 2009 PSF yes2.6.3 2.6.2 2009 PSF
yes2.6.4 2.6.3 2009 PSF yes2.6.5 2.6.4 2010 PSF yes3.0 2.6 2008 PSF yes3.0.1 3.0
2009 PSF yes3.1 3.0.1 2009 PSF yes3.1.1 3.1 2009 PSF yes3.1.2 3.1.1 2010 PSF
yes3.1.3 3.1.2 2010 PSF yes3.1.4 3.1.3 2011 PSF yes3.1.5 3.1.4 2012 PSF yes3.2.1 3.2
2011 PSF yes3.2.2 3.2.1 2011 PSF yes3.2.3 3.2.2 2012 PSF yes3.3.0 3.2 2012 PSF
yes3.3.1 3.3.0 2013 PSF yes3.3.2 3.3.1 2013 PSF yes3.4.0 3.3 2013 PSF yes
Footnotes:
(1) GPL-compatible doesn’t mean that we’re distributing Python under the GPL. All
Python licenses, unlike the GPL, let you distribute a modified version without making your
changes open source. The GPL-compatible licenses make it possible to combine Python
with other software that is released under the GPL; the others don’t.
(2) According to Richard Stallman, 1.6.1 is not GPL-compatible, because its license has a
choice of law clause. According to CNRI, however, Stallman’s lawyer has told CNRI’s
lawyer that 1.6.1 is "not incompatible" with the GPL.
Thanks to the many outside volunteers who have worked under Guido’s direction to make
these releases possible.
B. TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCESSING OR OTHERWISE USING PYTHON
===============================================================
PYTHON SOFTWARE FOUNDATION LICENSE VERSION 2
——————————————–
1. This LICENSE AGREEMENT is between the Python Software Foundation ("PSF"),
and the Individual or Organization ("Licensee") accessing and otherwise using this
software ("Python") in source or binary form and its associated documentation.
2. Subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, PSF hereby grants
Licensee a nonexclusive, royalty-free, world-wide license to reproduce, analyze, test,
perform and/or display publicly, prepare derivative works, distribute, and otherwise use
Python alone or in any derivative version, provided, however, that PSF’s License
Agreement and PSF’s notice of copyright, i.e., "Copyright (c) 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Python Software Foundation; All Rights
Reserved" are retained in Python alone or in any derivative version prepared by Licensee.
3. In the event Licensee prepares a derivative work that is based on or incorporates
Python or any part thereof, and wants to make the derivative work available to others as
provided herein, then Licensee hereby agrees to include in any such work a brief
summary of the changes made to Python.
4. PSF is making Python available to Licensee on an "AS IS" basis. PSF MAKES NO
REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. BY WAY OF
EXAMPLE, BUT NOT LIMITATION, PSF MAKES NO AND DISCLAIMS ANY
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR THAT THE USE OF PYTHON WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY
THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.
5. PSF SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER USERS OF PYTHON

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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS AS A

RESULT OF MODIFYING, DISTRIBUTING, OR OTHERWISE USING PYTHON, OR
ANY DERIVATIVE THEREOF, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
6. This License Agreement will automatically terminate upon a material breach of its
terms and conditions.
7. Nothing in this License Agreement shall be deemed to create any relationship of
agency, partnership, or joint venture between PSF and Licensee. This License
Agreement does not grant permission to use PSF trademarks or trade name in a
trademark sense to endorse or promote products or services of Licensee, or any third
party.
8. By copying, installing or otherwise using Python, Licensee agrees to be bound by the
terms and conditions of this License Agreement.
BEOPEN.COM LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR PYTHON 2.0
——————————————-
BEOPEN PYTHON OPEN SOURCE LICENSE AGREEMENT VERSION 1
1. This LICENSE AGREEMENT is between BeOpen.com ("BeOpen"), having an office at
160 Saratoga Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95051, and the Individual or Organization
("Licensee") accessing and otherwise using this software in source or binary form and its
associated documentation ("the Software").
2. Subject to the terms and conditions of this BeOpen Python License Agreement,
BeOpen hereby grants Licensee a non-exclusive, royalty-free, world-wide license to
reproduce, analyze, test, perform and/or display publicly, prepare derivative works,
distribute, and otherwise use the Software alone or in any derivative version, provided,
however, that the BeOpen Python License is retained in the Software, alone or in any
derivative version prepared by Licensee.
3. BeOpen is making the Software available to Licensee on an "AS IS" basis. BEOPEN
MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. BY WAY
OF EXAMPLE, BUT NOT LIMITATION, BEOPEN MAKES NO AND DISCLAIMS ANY
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR THAT THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE WILL NOT
INFRINGE ANY THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.
4. BEOPEN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER USERS OF THE
SOFTWARE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR
LOSS AS A RESULT OF USING, MODIFYING OR DISTRIBUTING THE SOFTWARE,
OR ANY DERIVATIVE THEREOF, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
5. This License Agreement will automatically terminate upon a material breach of its
terms and conditions.
6. This License Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in all respects by the law
of the State of California, excluding conflict of law provisions. Nothing in this License
Agreement shall be deemed to create any relationship of agency, partnership, or joint
venture between BeOpen and Licensee. This License Agreement does not grant
permission to use BeOpen trademarks or trade names in a trademark sense to endorse
or promote products or services of Licensee, or any third party. As an exception, the
"BeOpen Python" logos available at http://www.pythonlabs.com/logos.html may be used

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according to the permissions granted on that web page.

7. By copying, installing or otherwise using the software, Licensee agrees to be bound by
the terms and conditions of this License Agreement.
CNRI LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR PYTHON 1.6.1 —————————————
1. This LICENSE AGREEMENT is between the Corporation for National Research
Initiatives, having an office at 1895 Preston White Drive, Reston, VA 20191 ("CNRI"), and
the Individual or Organization ("Licensee") accessing and otherwise using Python 1.6.1
software in source or binary form and its associated documentation.
2. Subject to the terms and conditions of this License Agreement, CNRI hereby grants
Licensee a nonexclusive, royalty-free, world-wide license to reproduce, analyze, test,
perform and/or display publicly, prepare derivative works, distribute, and otherwise use
Python 1.6.1 alone or in any derivative version, provided, however, that CNRI’s License
Agreement and CNRI’s notice of copyright, i.e., "Copyright (c) 1995-2001 Corporation for
National Research Initiatives; All Rights Reserved" are retained in Python 1.6.1 alone or
in any derivative version prepared by Licensee. Alternately, in lieu of CNRI’s License
Agreement, Licensee may substitute the following text (omitting the quotes): "Python
1.6.1 is made available subject to the terms and conditions in CNRI’s License Agreement.
This Agreement together with Python 1.6.1 may be located on the Internet using the
following unique, persistent identifier (known as a handle): 1895.22/1013. This
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PLAXIS MoDeTo MANUAL

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Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are
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Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the
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products derived from this software without specific prior written permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE

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 APPENDIX A - THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE LICENSES/NOTICES

DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE REGENTS OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE

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APPENDIX B - WARNINGS AND ERRORS

B.1 CALIBRATION MODE - WARNINGS AND ERRORS

In the Calibration mode, when the Generate, Calculate and Parameterise actions are
performed, error or warning messages could be displayed from the tool. The details are
explained in the following sections.

B.1.1 GENERATE

Table B.1: Checks and feedback for model generation

Condition Severity Message

Monopile embedded length L plus Error In the following models, the
a distance of 0.15 times the pile selected embedded monopile
diameter (Dout ) equals or exceeds length L is very close to or meets
the maximum available length the bottom soil boundary. Please
based on the specified bottom enter a proper value to continue
depth of the last soil layer in the
Soil mode
A check is performed for the Error Invalid values for the depth
thickness of the layers. Zero parameters in the Soil mode.
thickness is not allowed Please correct them to continue
A check is performed to prohibit the Error Invalid values for the parameters in
following: the Calibration mode. Please
• L = 0.0 m correct them to continue
• h = 0.0 m
• Dout = 0.0 m
• t = 0.0 m
• E = 0.0 kN/m2

No soil layers are present in the Error There are no soil layers present in
Soil mode the Soil mode. Please define at
least one soil layer to continue
The thickness of a single soil layer Error The thickness of a single soil layer
should not be less than 0.5 m. This cannot be less than 0.5 m. Please
is to prevent ending up with bad use greater thickness to continue
mesh qualities and many mesh
elements
The model is already successfully Warning The following models will be
generated and the input regenerated. Any manual
parameters are altered (or not) modifications to these models may
be completely or partially lost

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 APPENDIX B - WARNINGS AND ERRORS

Monopile embedded length L Warning The recommended maximum pile

exceeds the recommended max length is 70% of the soil depth,
length based on the specified specified in the Soil mode. In the
bottom depth of the last soil layer in following models, this value is
the Soil mode exceeded. Results may be
incorrect
The prescribed displacement Warning The value assigned to the
vmax,z=h equals zero parameter vmax,z=h is zero. Assign
a higher value for valid calculation
results
A high value is assigned to the Warning A value lower than <x> m
prescribed displacement vmax,z=h , (GeoDS_1), <x> m (GeoDS_2),
which exceeds the recommended etc. is suggested to be used for the
value. Refer to Section 4.3 for more parameter vmax,z=h . The currently
information. assigned value may result in
excessive lateral displacement at
ground level. This may lead to a
long computation time
A low value is assigned to the Warning A value higher than <x> m
prescribed displacement, probably (GeoDS_1), <x> m (GeoDS_2),
not high enough to result in the etc. is suggested to be used for the
required displacement at ground parameter vmax,z=h . The currently
level assigned value may result in
insufficient lateral displacement at
ground level. See Section 4.3 for
more information.
The distance above the toe of the Warning The distance between the toe of
pile (depth equal to L) and the the monopile and the closest soil
closest layer boundary is less than boundary is small. This might lead
0.25 m or the distance below the to bad mesh quality and inaccuracy
toe of the pile (depth equal to L), of results
and the closest layer boundary is
less than 0.2·Dout

Table B.2: Checks and feedback for model generation for Clay

Condition Severity Message

Gur /suA > 2000 Error The ratio of the shear modulus over
the average active shear strength is
too high, exceeding 2000. Please
decrease the value of the shear
modulus or increase the value of
the shear strength

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Gur /suA < 25 Error The ratio of the shear modulus over
the average active shear strength is
less than 25. Please increase the
value of the shear modulus or
decrease the value of the shear
strength
su,top = 0 or su,bottom = 0 Error The shear strength is zero

Table B.3: Checks and feedback for model generation for Sand

ϕ0 = 0 Error The friction angle is zero

ψ > ϕ0 Error The dilatancy angle exceeds the
friction angle
G0ref < 66800 kN/m2 Warning The value of the small strain shear
modulus is too low. Please
consider inspecting the material
parameters after generating the
PLAXIS 3D model
G0ref > 128000 kN/m2 Warning The value of the small strain shear
modulus is too high. Please
consider inspecting the material
parameters after generating the
PLAXIS 3D model
1 < G0ref /Gurref
< 20 Error The value of the small strain shear
where Gur = Eur
ref ref
/(2 · (1 + νur )) modulus is outside the allowable
range. Please use a different value
G0ref or φ' too low Error The value of the small strain shear
modulus or of the friction angle is
too low. Please use higher values
G0ref or φ' too high Error The value of the small strain shear
modulus or of the friction angle is
too high. Please use lower values

B.1.2 REGENERATE
Any changes since the model was last generated/calculated/parameterised are detected.
The purpose of this approach is to maintain most changes that the user might have done
manually through PLAXIS 3D.
The model modifications during regeneration, following the user actions (per mode), are
presented in Table B.4.

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 APPENDIX B - WARNINGS AND ERRORS

Table B.4: Model regeneration

Mode User action PLAXIS 3D regeneration procedure

Soil Change material type All existing soil and interface materials are
or soil parameters deleted and regenerated based on the new
soil material type and the associated
material parameters. The new materials are
assigned to the already existing soil layers
and interfaces
Soil Add/delete/insert soil All the existing soil layers and the
layer or modify the accompanying soil and interface materials
top/bottom layer are deleted. New layers and materials are
boundaries generated based on the user input
Calibration Change structure The plate material assigned to the structure
parameters (t , vmax , is modified, and the prescribed displacement
E , ν) applied to the top of the pile is readjusted
Calibration Change geometry The structure based on the modified
parameters (L, Dout , parameter(s) is regenerated, without entirely
h) deleting and recreating it. Note that a
change in Dout also affects the size of the
soil contour

B.1.3 CALCULATE

Table B.5: Checks and feedback for model calculation

Condition Severity Message

Model is not successfully generated Error The following models are not
successfully generated and can
therefore not be calculated
Model is successfully generated or Error The input parameters of the
already calculated and input following models are modified. The
parameters are altered models should be regenerated
before calculation
Model is already successfully Warning The following models have already
calculated been calculated. Recalculating
them is not necessary unless
manual modifications to these
models have been performed

B.1.4 PARAMETERISE
Before parameterisation begins, PLAXIS MoDeTo might give the following error and
warning if the corresponding condition is met:

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Table B.6: Checks and feedback before model parameterisation

Condition Severity Message

Model is not successfully calculated Error The following models have not
been calculated successfully and
can therefore not be included in the
parameterisation
Model is successfully calculated Error The input parameters of the
and input parameters are altered following models have been
modified since the models were
calculated. The models should be
regenerated and recalculated
before trying to parameterise

During parameterisation, the Optimisation Module may give the following errors or
warnings:

Table B.7: Checks and feedback during model parameterisation

Severity Message
Error Unrecognised soil type. The depth variation functions
cannot be derived
Error None of the data sets has advanced enough to be
used for the definition of ultimate load values. The
depth variation functions cannot be derived
Warning The 1D calculation kernel did not run successfully in
the background under the applied default settings. The
parameterised soil reaction curves and the depth
variation functions cannot be displayed. After the
parameterisation is performed, the produced
calibrated.dvf file can be used in the Analysis mode to
carry out the 1D numerical analysis. Note that the
default expert settings might need to be changed
based on the error messages that will be displayed

B.2 ANALYSIS MODE

The 1D FE model gives these following errors, warnings and success messages in the
Analysis mode: (Table B.8):

Table B.8: Analysis mode errors, warnings and success messages

Severity Message

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 APPENDIX B - WARNINGS AND ERRORS

Error Unknown error

Error Unknown parameterisation function type
Error Unknown soil material type
Error The dvf file cannot be opened
Error The input file cannot be opened
Error The minimum element size should be less than the
pile height
Error The minimum element size should be less than the
pile length
Error The pile base defined in the thickness layers table
should match the pile length
Error Please provide input and output paths as command
line arguments
Error Invalid number of soil layers in the dvf file
Error Invalid number of GeoDS in the dvf file
Error Mismatch between the pile layers definition and
specified pile length/height
Error The embedded part of the pile is outside the soil layers
Error The pile base is outside the soil layers
Error There is no thickness assigned to the pile
Error The pile length is zero. Please use a higher value
Error The pile outer diameter is zero. Please use a higher
value
Error The pile thickness is zero. Please use a higher value
Error The workload is not defined correctly. Please use a
value greater than zero
Error The Young's modulus is not defined correctly. Please
use a value greater than zero
Warning Not enough load steps to reach the user specified load
Warning Not enough load steps for the calculation of the load
factor
Warning The mudline lateral displacement exceeds the
maximum value obtained by calibration
Warning The mudline rotation exceeds the maximum value
obtained by calibration

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Success The maximum ground level displacement is reached.

The calculation is finished successfully
Success The maximum load factor is reached. The calculation
is finished successfully

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