Can I create an anchored wall model manually in DeepEX?

DeepEX allows users to design and analyse deep excavations supported by anchored retaining systems. This guide explains how to manually create an anchored wall model step by step, simulating the construction sequence from surface definition to final analysis.

A. Stage 0 – Define Basic Project Properties

Before adding excavation or support stages, start by defining the general project settings. This ensures that all subsequent actions are referenced correctly in terms of elevations, materials, and geometry.

A1. Set General Ground Surface Elevation and Modify Surface Points

Define the initial ground surface elevation.

Modify the surface line to represent any existing ground slopes or irregularities.

Use the Edit Surface Points tool to insert or adjust elevations along the surface profile.

A2. Define Soil Properties and Stratigraphy

Create the soil layers by assigning parameters such as:

Unit weight

Friction angle (φ)

Cohesion (c)

Modulus of elasticity (E)

Adjust the layer thickness and sequence to reflect actual subsurface conditions.

Assign material models consistent with design standards (e.g., drained or undrained behaviour).

A3. Define Wall Properties

Specify the wall type and position (e.g., soldier pile, diaphragm wall, sheet pile). Choose or define the structural section (section modulus, EI, geometry). Set the embedment depth based on preliminary design assumptions or previous calculations.

A4. Draw External Loads

Apply surface, line, or point loads as needed: Adjacent building or foundation loads Traffic or storage surcharges Equipment or temporary loads Ensure loads are positioned correctly relative to the wall. A5. Define the Water Table Specify the initial groundwater level. If needed, define separate water tables for the retained and excavated sides. This allows the software to calculate pore pressures and effective stresses during analysis.

Figure 1 - DeepEX Model – Anchored Wall Excavation, Stage 0 (Initial Configuration).

B. Stage 1 – Excavation Below the First Support Level (Dewater if Needed)

Create Stage 1 by defining the excavation depth just below the first support installation level. If the excavation extends below the groundwater table, activate dewatering to simulate pumping and water pressure reduction. DeepEX automatically recalculates active and passive earth pressures for the new configuration.

Figure 2 - DeepEX Model – Anchored Wall Excavation, Stage 1.

C. Stage 2 – Install the First Support Row

Add the first row of anchors or struts. Define: Installation elevation, Inclination angle, Free and bonded length, Prestress load (if applicable). Anchors may be applied on one or both sides of the wall depending on the design.

Figure 3 - DeepEX Model – Anchored Wall Excavation, Stage 2.

D. Stage 3 – Excavate Below the Next Support Level (Dewater if Needed)

Add the next excavation stage below the installed support. Repeat dewatering steps if groundwater is intersected. Verify that earth and wall pressures adjust according to the new geometry. Check updated internal forces and bending moments.

Figure 4 - DeepEX Model – Anchored Wall Excavation, Stage 3.

E. Continue with Additional Supports and Final Excavation

Repeat the process of excavation and support installation until:

All anchor levels are installed

The final excavation depth is reached

Each stage should represent a real construction sequence so DeepEX can calculate progressive wall deformation, bending moments, and support reactions.

F. Model Analysis and Results

1. Run the Analysis

lick Run Analysis to perform the staged construction simulation. The software calculates: Earth pressures and wall reactions. Anchor or strut forces. Bending moments, shear forces, and wall deflections.

Figure 5 - DeepEX Model – Anchored Wall Excavation, Results.

2. Review Critical Results

Check summary tables for key numerical outputs: Maximum bending moments, Maximum shear forces, Maximum deflections, Maximum support forces.

Figure 5 - DeepEX Model – Anchored Wall Excavation, Results.

3. View Graphical Results

Use the model view to display: Wall bending moment and deflection diagrams, Anchor reaction forces, check ratios for wall and supports (indicating adequacy).

4. Export Results

Export all results and diagrams to PDF or Excel for documentation and reporting. Example Outputs: Tables of bending moments, shear, and deflections Graphical diagrams of wall behaviour and anchor loads

G. Common Questions

Q1: Can I edit the geometry after defining the stages?

Yes. You can modify excavation depths, wall geometry, or support levels at any point. DeepEX will automatically update the results when you rerun the analysis.

Q2: Do I need to define the same water table for every stage?

No. You can adjust the water level for each stage to represent dewatering or rising groundwater conditions.

Q3: Can DeepEX analyse non-linear soil behaviour?

Yes. DeepEX can perform both classical limit-equilibrium and advanced non-linear analyses, depending on your licence level.

Q4: How are anchor loads verified?

DeepEX calculates the required load and compares it with the anchor’s design capacity, showing check ratios in both tables and graphical form.

Illustrations

Figure A. Conceptual anchored wall cross-section

Figure B. Example moment and deflection diagrams from DeepEX analysis

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