Table of Contents

1. Preface
1.1 Language

2. Example for Calculation with GRETA

2.1 Assumed Parameters
2.2 Step 1: Create New Project
2.3 Step 2: Enter Project Info
2.4 Step 3: Footing, Load
2.5 Step 4: Columns
2.6 Step 5: Layout Parameters
2.7 Step 6: Properties of Strata
2.8 Step 7: Options
2.9 Step 8: Run Calculation
2.10 Step 9: Output

3. Menu Bar
3.1 File
3.2 Input
3.3 Calculation
3.4 Result
3.5 Window
3.6 Adjustments
3.7 Info

4. Reference of Functions
4.1 File
4.2 Data Input
4.3 Calculation
4.4 Data Output
4.5 Options
4.6 Zoom
4.7 CAD
4.7.1 Drawing Tools
4.7.2 Snap Functions

5. Further Information
5.1 Print
5.2 Layer
5.3 Alphanumerical Output
5.4 Status Bar at the Bottom of any Graphical Output (Marked by the Arrow)
5.5 File Import and Export
5.5.1. Graphics Import and Export
5.5.1.1. General Info on Graphic Files
5.5.1.2. Supported File Types
5.5.2 Alphanumerical Result Export

GRETA User Manual Page 1 of 25 14.04.2003

1. Preface

Welcome to the GRETA manual. In the following chapters you will be introduced to
the user interface of GRETA. It is supposed to help you find the well known functions
and parameters from VIBRI and to show you how to access the new capabilities of
GRETA. However there are two things this help manual will not do:

1. Give general help on your computer. Sorry, but this is not within the scope of
this manual. If you have for example any questions on how to use your
mouse, look into the MS Windows help files, you will not find the answer in this
document.

2. Give details on the scientific background. Sorry again. There is a document

included as a softcopy in the software shipment, written by Mr. Priebe himself,
which caters for that part already. Furthermore you are welcome to contact
your colleagues at HQ in Germany who will find a way to help you out in case
your question was not covered in Priebe’s manual.

The software serves two functions:

1. To carry out design calculations for soil improvement according to the PRIEBE
method
2. To fulfil the basic graphical functions of a CAD software.

The user interface, as you can see below (in full screen mode) is organized into the
work area, the menu bar, the top icon bar and the left icon bar. The main functions
are available over the icons. The top icon bar holds the data input and calculation
icons as well as general functions like printing. The left icon bar concentrates on CAD
functions; they are not featured in the menu bar.

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All the functions you find in the start-up screen are described in the following
chapters.

1.1. Language

The software was developed in German and English more or less simultaneously.
The present installation files install a version which is preset to German, however, the
language of the user interface and the result output can be easily changed using the
following method:

• End all running GRETA sessions.

• Open a window of your file manager
• Look for a folder called “Geostat”, typically it is located on drive C, in the main
program folder.
• Open the GRETA folder
• Look for the files called
o Language.txt
o Language_E.txt (for English)
o Language_F.txt (for French)
o Language_I.txt (for Italian)
o Language_S.txt (for Spanish)
o Language_P.txt (for Polish)
o Language_D.txt (for German)
GRETA User Manual Page 3 of 25 14.04.2003
 • Delete or rename the Lanuage.txt file.
• Create a copy of the file for the desired language within the GRETA folder
• Rename this copy to Language.txt

The language change is activated once you start a new session of GRETA.

Please note that GRETA “borrows” a number of standard functions from your
operating system. These are for example all “Open File” and “Save File” dialogues.
They will not be affected by the language changes within GRETA.

2. Example for Calculation with GRETA

As we all know, reading a user manual is a chore; we have therefore prepared a

short example of soil improvement by stone columns which allows you to get familiar
with the basic calculation functions of GRETA. After studying this section, you should
be in a position to use this software to calculate common stone column solutions.

In the following simple example, a foundation is to be calculated for an embankment

constructed on a soil with very poor carrying capacity:

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2.1 Assumed Parameters

Assumed Soil Parameters:

Location: Malaysia, Kajang Ring Road,

Package 3c, CH 4400 - 4500

Before treatment:

Depth Description γ γ' φ c D

3 3
[m] [-] [kN/m ] [kN/m ] [°] [kPa] [kPa]
-1 Sand Platform 20 10 35 0 50000
0 Very Soft Clay 15 5 0 10 1000
4 Soft Clay 16 6 0 20 2000
6 Silty Sand 18 8 30 0 20000

γ γ' φ c D
3 3
[kN/m ] [kN/m ] [°] [kPa] [kPa]
Stone columns: 19 12 40 0 120000

The basic parameters were chosen as:

- 1.8 m c/c square grid

- Column diameter = 1.0 m
- Foundation pressure after construction of the embankment (12 m): 200 kN/m²

2.2 Step 1: Create New Project:

Once the program has started you will see the GRETA start-up screen. Then you
select File – New. (The graphics window which will open can be closed.)

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2.3 Step 2: Enter Project info

After clicking the icon “Project info” , the following window opens:

Now you can enter the Project Description, Username and Branch and you have to
select the type of Foundation System. Once you close this window, the other icons
for entering further data will be activated.

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2.4 Step 3: Footing, Load

Icon:

The yellow frames must be filled with information, the grey ones are optional. All
frames are displayed in a sketch which should be self-explanatory. In our case we
choose an “Area load” (embankment) with 200 kN/m² (as given) and – 1.0 m for the
Foundation bottom level (top of Sand Platform).

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2.5 Step 4: Columns

Icon:

If ground water occurs, you have to tick the box to activate it. Once activated, a box
will appear into which you have to enter the ground water depth. After entering your
considered column length you have the option to enter a considered depth. The
program will consider this unimproved layer (without stone columns) for settlement
calculation.

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2.6 Step 5: Layout parameters

Icon:

Here you are offered a number of possible different geometrical arrangements of the
ground improvement elements. Also, the shape of the foundation can be defined, in
case the assumption of an unlimited load area is not a useful approximation. In this
example we choose an unlimited rectangular grid with a spacing of 1.8 x 1.8 m.

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2.7 Step 6: Properties of Strata

Icon:

• All yellow fields require a numerical input.

• For “G. Level”, you have to enter the top level of each layer.
• You can input the soil description into the type box, maximum length
approx. 20 characters. Using the drop down menu button shows you a list
of typical soil descriptions; however, this is in German language.
• Selecting the coloured button above the soil type field opens a window
which lets you select a colour for the soil in the graphical output.
• To create a new layer, select “Add”.
• Advanced options such as the compaction of the annular space are more
closely described in the Technical Manual by Mr. Priebe.

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2.8 Step 7: Options

Icon:

With these options, different simplifications of the Priebe method as outlined in his
paper “The design of Vibro Replacement” can be activated and deactivated. For
further details please refer to the Technical Manual by Mr. Priebe.

2.9 Step 8: Run calculation

Icon:
When the system input is completed, the calculation can be started. Pressing the
calculation icon will start the analysis. A status bar in the top icon bar illustrates the
progress of the calculation. After the analysis is finished, a window with a section of
the top view will be opened.

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2.10 Step 9: Output

Icons: (Result), (Cross section)

By using the icons “Result” and “Cross section”, different output options are
available. In the cross sectional view, soil layers, stresses and settlements will be
shown. The “Result” button opens a window with the alphanumerical output. It shows
the given and calculated values in a tabular layout that can be edited directly if
necessary with the included editor. Also it should be noted that an export of the
alphanumerical results to other document formats is possible.

3. Menu bar

After starting GRETA, you will find different menu items in the menu bar of the start
up screen:
• File
• Input
• Calculation
• Result
• Window
• Adjustments

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 • ? (Info)

All functions of each menu and the menu structure are shown as follows:

3.1 File

New Project info

Open project Open Project info

Save as

File Print preview Select Printer, Plot Margins, Pen Assignment, . . .

Plan export Save as

Plan import Open

Exit

3.2 Input

General

Foundation

Columns
Input
Grid Layout

Properties of strata

Options

3.3 Calculation

Calculation Run calculation

3.4 Result

alpha num. Output

Result
Cross Section

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3.5 Window

Vertically Vertical screen division if two windows are opened

Window
Horizontally Horizontal screen division if two windows are opened

3.6 Adjustments

Layer Adjustment of Top view (Layers)

Adjustments Adjust Page breaking of alphanumerical output; Layout

of cross section; Selection of temporary language

Change No function
Text
Font Select Style

3.7 ? (Info)

? Info Info zu GRETA

4. Reference of Functions

The following chapter gives a complete overview of the functions available through
the icons in the left and upper icon bar. Some of the functions are also available
through the drop down menus the structure of which is shown in chapter 3 “Menu
Bar”. Windows such as the “Print” dialogue will be shown and explained in further
detail in chapter 5 “Additional Information”.

4.1 File

Open File: Opens the Windows standard “Open File” window. The “General”
window opens automatically once the “Open File” window is closed, even if no
new project was selected.

4.2 Data Input

With the following functions, the static system, and the mechanical properties of the
soils and structural elements are defined. It is highly recommended to fill out all
yellow boxes with suitable parameters as they are essential for the basic calculation.
Grey boxes can be filled with values if they are available; however, they are not
absolutely necessary from a purely MATHEMATICAL point of view. They may still be
required from the ENGINEERING point of view.

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Please note, that failing to fill in the yellow boxes will not give you a void result, it just
gives you one based on standard values which the software uses to fill any gaps.
These may fit to your problem, though quite probably they will not. Automatic fill ins
are not marked as such on the result print out!

General: Opens the “General” window, where the project description, the user,
the branch and the foundation system is put in. When a new project has been
created, opening this window will unlock the other data input icons. If a project
is active already and calculated, the closing of this window will lock the output
icons.

Footing: Opens the “Footing, Load” window. Here the loads and the geometry
of the foundation are defined for a cross sectional view.

Columns: Opens the “Columns [m]” window. It contains an input mask for the
top and bottom layer of the analyzed stone column treatment as well as for the
ground water level.

Grid Layout: Opens the “Layout Parameter [m]” window. Different column
arrangements can be defined from five different templates for typical
situations.

Properties of Strata: Opens a window of the same name in which the soil
layers can be defined as well as the column material of the soil improvement
elements that were chosen in the project information window.
Recommendations for the appropriate use of the parameters can be found in
the technical manual by Mr. Priebe.

Options: Opens the “Options” window where a number of alternative

assumptions and simplifications within the Priebe design method and output
options can be switched on and off. All options that have geotechnical impact
on the result are described in the paper “The design of vibro replacement” by
Mr. Priebe.

4.3 Calculation

Calculation: Starts the analysis according to the PRIEBE method. A progress

bar appears once that calculation has started. Usually the calculation is fast,
but on very old machines and a large input data volume, it may take longer
than just a couple of seconds. Once the calculation is completed, a window
showing a top view of a part of the project will appear. All output icons are
unlocked thereafter.

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4.4 Data Output

Print: Opens the print window for the content of the active window. Please note
that printing the alphanumerical output is a separate function.

Cross Section: Opens a small window which lets the user select the location of
the cross section in the plan view either by alphanumerical input of the
coordinate of the cut or by selecting the location by using the mouse in the
plan view.

Result: Opens a simple text editor and shows the alphanumeric output of the
calculation. Basic editing can be done in a similar manner as in MS Word.
From this text editor, the results can be printed on any connected and installed
local or network printer. In addition it is possible to export the file into a MS
Word format and into a .PDF file (portable document format). A further
description of the export capabilities can be found in chapter 5.5 File Import
and Export.

4.5 Options

Layer: Opens the “Layer” dialogue which is used to work with the drawing
layers in the active drawing in the style of CAD software.

Settings: Opens a window which allows the user to set the number of lines per
page in the alphanumerical output, the snapping properties of the pointer as
well as different output options for the cross section of the improved soil. This
includes an option to change the scale of the stress and settlement lines. The
scale can be changed relative to the automatically chosen scale by setting a
value between 1 and 100. In addition the language of the software and the
outputs can be temporarily changed. This is done by selecting the intended
language from the displayed list. The change is activated once the next
calculation is done. At the time of writing, only English and German were fully
supported languages, with French being partially supported. To permanently
change the language of the software please refer to Chapter 1.1 Language.

4.6 Zoom

Zoom Extends: Automatically sets the zoom of the active graphic window so
that the complete graphic is visible in the window.

Zoom Window: Zooms to the rectangular section enclosed by the box. The box
is created by defining two corner points opposite to each other by clicking the
left button on the mouse once for each point.

Zoom Previous: Returns the zoom setting to the one selected before the
present.

Zoom In: Magnifies the whole content of the window with the centre of the
active window as fixed point.
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 Zoom Out: Reduces the whole content of the window with the centre of the
active window as fixed point.

4.7 CAD

4.7.1 Drawing Tools

Insert: Opens the “Insert” window, which enables the user to paste a number
of drawing objects and other drawings into the active window.

Distance: This option enables the user to measure the distance in the active
window by clicking the left button on the mouse once at the beginning of the
distance to be measured and once at the end position. The result is shown in
the right field of the status bar at the bottom of the active window (unit in [m]).

Draw a Line: This will draw a line between two points marked by left mouse
clicks in the drawing window. Line drawing will continue with every further click
until a right click is made. The line style is defined by the layer it is painted in.
Every section of the line between 2 points will form an element that can be
manipulated separately from the rest of the lines.

Draw a PolyLine: This works the same way as the Line tool except that the
PolyLine will be treated as a single element, thus it will be moved, erased,
resized, rotated or copied as a whole.

Rectangle: By selecting two corner points with a left mouse click, a rectangle
can be drawn which behaves as a single element.

Draw an Arc: To draw an arc, four points need to be selected with a left mouse
click in the following order: the centre point, the radius, the start of the arc
angle, the end of the arc angle.

Draw a Circle: To define a circle, two points are sufficient, the centre point and
the radius, both are selected by clicking left whilst in a graphics window.

Draw a Text: Text can be inserted by selecting a start point, which will be the
lower left corner of the text, when the letters are seen in upright position. A
second point specifies the base line on the text. Once these two points have
been selected, the text can be typed in. The text input mode is stopped by
pressing the “Return” or “Enter” key.

Erase: Elements can be selected consecutively by a left mouse click (which

results in a change of shade or line type for this element to highlight the
selection), if no element is close to the first click, a rectangular box can be
drawn by defining a second point. All elements that were either selected by
clicking or that are located completely inside the box will be deleted once the
right mouse button is clicked. Warning: There is no “undo” function!
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 Copy: Similar to the selection process for Erasing elements can be selected by
clicking or drawing a box. A right mouse click ends the selection. The next left
click sets the base position relative to which the copy will be displaced
according to the following click.

Move: Element selection as above. Then a base position is selected relative to

which the elements will be displaced. Elements will be displaced in the
direction of the final click.

Rotate: Element selection as above. A centre point for the rotation is selected.
The selected element will then be rotated by the angle described by the
movement of the mouse.

Resize: Element selection as above. A base point for the resizing is then
selected. By selecting a second point the new scale of the selected objects is
chosen. The scale change is proportional to the distance between the base
point and the second point, the size of the selected objects can be checked in
real time by moving the mouse before selecting the second point. It has to be
kept in mind that not only the selected objects are changed in scale but also
the distance to the selected base point will be changed.

Insert object from file: Opens the standard windows “Open File” window which
allows the user to select graphics files that can be placed into the drawing.
This is done by selecting the location of the lower left corner of the graphic and
by selecting the scale in the same manner as in the “Resize” function.

4.7.2 Snap Functions

These functions are drafting aides to easily find defined points along a line or in a
circle which would be hard to hit precisely without such assistance. They do not work
as a stand alone function, but always need to be combined with another CAD
function. Once it is activated, snap functions highlight the closest snap points when
the mouse pointer is moved close to existing objects. If the user left clicks while a
snap point is highlighted, this snap point will be selected for the CAD function.

To use any snap function, it is not important whether the CAD or the Snap function is
selected first, but it should be noted that after the CAD function is finished, the
chosen snap also expires and must be chosen again if the user requires its use for
the next CAD operation.

Snap to End: Locks on the closest end point of a line.

Snap to Midpoint: Locks on the midpoint of the closest line

Snap to Centrepoint: Locks on the centre point of the closest circle, the mouse
pointer needs to point at the circle line for the centre point to be found.

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 Snap to Perpendicular: Locks on a point on the closest line (or its theoretical
extension) in such a manner that a perpendicular line is drawn between the
previous position and the locked point on the line selected.

Snap to Insert Point: Locks on the insert point of an object.

Snap to Nearest: Locks on the point of a curve or line closest to the current
mouse pointer position.

5. Further Information

Some functions, like the print preview and the adjustment of different layers, require
further explanation.

5.1 Print

Icon:
After editing the Top View, a Cross Section or the import of a plan (File – Plan
import), you are able to adjust the layout of your print output. Therefore you chose
File – Plan preview or you select the icon “Print” and the following window will be
opened:

• Pen Assignments: Pen colour and pen width can be modified.

• Pick: To select the part of the plan you want to print out, click on
two diametrically opposed points of a rectangle with your

GRETA User Manual Page 19 of 25 14.04.2003

 mouse. To change this choice you have to select “Extents”
instead of “Window” and use the “Update View” icon.
• Plot Margins: After changing the size of the Plot Margins, select “Update
View”.
• Scale: You can change the scale to your personal requirements
or optimize the scale depending to the Plot Margins (Scale
to Fit – Update View).
• Black & White By ticking the B&W box, colours can be switched off and
the drawing is converted to greyscale. To preview select
the “Update View” button
• Select Printer Opens the windows dialogue to select a different printer
from the one that is currently selected.

5.2 Layer

Adjustments – Layer or icon:

As in other CAD programs, the drawings are divided into different layers to make
working and later changes easier and more efficient. In GRETA you are also able to
handle and modify these layers.

• New / Delete: Creates / deletes layers.

• Freeze / Thaw: Hides / shows the selected layer.

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 • Lock / Unlock: Selected layer can not be modified by drawing in the
graphics window when locked. Reversed by “Unlocking”.
• Color Line colour can be changed for one layer.
• LType Changes the line type of the layer.
• Current Makes the selected layer the active layer. The name of the
active layer is shown next to this button. The active layer
is the one that will be modified when the drawing in the
graphics window is changed.

5.3 Alphanumerical output

Result or icon:

The alphanumerical output can be exported into Word and into a PDF-File (Adobe).
Simple editing functions similar to those found in other commercial products such as
MS Word are available through icons.

The program can be used to export any other word documents to the. PDF format.
However, this editor can not be started independently from GRETA at the present
time.

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5.4 Status Bar at the Bottom of any Graphical Output (Marked by the Arrow)

The status bar is divided into separate fields which show the following information in
real time:

• X / Y –Position: Gives the X - and Y-coordinate of the present mouse

position relative to the base coordinates.
• SNAP ON / OFF: Can be activated by double clicking in the status bar field.
Locks on the closest grid-point, even when the grid is not
visible (left double-click).
• GRID ON / OFF: Can be activated by double clicking in the status bar field.
Shows the grid (grid size: 1.0 x 1.0).
• ORTHO ON / OFF: Only horizontal or vertical lines can be drawn or measured
(left double-click).
• OSNAP OFF: Shows status of the snap functions.
• In the right field, the present status and results of some operations in the
graphics window (such as measuring results) are shown. It provides help on
what input the Program is expecting for the CAD functions.

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5.5 File Import and Export

5.5.1 Graphics Import and Export

The CAD functions that are now part of the standard Keller user interface give the
opportunity to open, edit, print and save data from a number of different CAD and
geotechnical design software products.

The graphics can be loaded by selecting the appropriate file in the File – Plan Import
window. A preview of the selected file is shown in the upper right corner of the
window.

The available file formats are briefly described in Chapter 5.5.1.2 Supported File
Types. The graphic will be opened in a separate window and the file can be edited
as described in Chapter 4.7.1 CAD Tools.

Upon completion, the file needs to be exported in order to be saved via File – Plan
Export. A number of different file types are available. The description of the available
filters given below helps to select the appropriate file type for the intended use.

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5.5.1.1 General Info on Graphic Files

Pixel graphics

This type of graphics forms the whole picture dot by dot. It is typically used for
photographs and scans. Unsuitable for drawings that need to be resized, since
magnifying a pixel graphic will reveal the individual pixels, while shrinking it may
cause lines to “vanish” since they become too thin to be shown.

Vector graphics

Graphics are formed by vectors. CAD files typically belong to this type. They are
unsuitable for photos or other graphics which consist of a very large number of small
objects and differently shaded areas. Produces sharp and clear graphics at any scale
since the drawing is regenerated based on the vector description.

5.5.1.2 Supported File Types

AutoCAD Files .DWG

CAD vector graphics file, standard format for AutoCAD. Some other CAD
applications are also able to reliably import this file type.

DXF Files .DXF

CAD vector graphics file that can be imported by most CAD systems (such as
Microstation, AutoCAD)

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Enhanced Metafile .EMF

Vector graphics file, enhanced version of .WMF that is generically supported by all
modern Windows systems (starting from Windows 95). It can be easily used to be
inserted into texts, due to its small size suitable for emails.

Windows Metafile .WMF

Vector graphics file, originally developed for MS Windows, generically supported by

Windows systems (starting from Windows 2.0). It can be easily used to be inserted
into texts, due to its small size suitable for emails.

Bitmap .BMP (export only)

Pixel graphics file, generically supported by MS Windows. No data compression,

therefore large files. Can be inserted easily into texts, e-mails and web pages, but it
is recommended to convert bitmaps into compressed formats such as .JPEG, .PNG
or .GIF for this purpose.

5.5.2 Alphanumerical Result Export

For the export of the alphanumerical output, separate icons are given in the GretaOut
text editor (reached by Result – alpha num. result or ). Selecting these icons will
open a standard “Save As” window. A short explanation of the file types follows
below

Word Document .DOC (export only)

Word document format, widely in use, unchanged since MS Word 97.

Adobe PDF .PDF (export only)

Compressed document format that can be read by the Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free
tool which is widely spread. Requires special software for editing.

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