Can I include more than one wall type or wall section in the same model?
- May 19
- 3 min read
DeepEX allows users to incorporate multiple wall types or wall sections within a single model. This powerful feature is particularly beneficial for excavation projects that span areas with varying geotechnical profiles, construction constraints, or structural requirements. In such cases, a single wall system may not be adequate, and the ability to assign different wall types across the model becomes essential to achieving a safe, cost-effective, and constructible solution.
Figure 1 presents the wide range of wall types available in DeepEX, highlighting the software’s extensive library of supported retaining systems. These include soldier pile and lagging walls, sheet pile walls, secant pile walls, tangent pile walls, diaphragm walls, box sheet piles, and fully custom wall types. This comprehensive selection empowers engineers to select the most appropriate solution for each segment of the excavation, allowing for tailored responses to specific site conditions and performance demands. Whether dealing with urban space constraints, groundwater control, or highly variable subsurface conditions, DeepEX offers the flexibility to address each challenge with precision.
The ability to combine different wall types within a single model significantly enhances design flexibility. It enables engineers to develop optimised and innovative excavation systems that are responsive to the real-world complexities of construction. For example, a deep excavation adjacent to a sensitive structure may require the use of a diaphragm wall on one side for minimal deflections, while a more economical sheet pile wall could be used on the opposite side where ground movement is less critical. DeepEX accommodates such practical scenarios with ease.
Users can assign different wall types to specific segments of the model based on design intent, construction sequence, or evolving site conditions. This functionality is especially useful for phased projects or when the initial design must be revised due to new information from the field. The assignment process is intuitive and follows a straightforward workflow:
Select the desired wall type from the DeepEX library.
Configure the wall properties as needed to meet structural and geotechnical design requirements.
Apply the configured wall type to the relevant section of the model.
These assignments can be made during the initial model setup or modified later to reflect updates in design strategy, construction stages, or client specifications.
Figure 2 illustrates a practical example of this capability, showing a model where a diaphragm wall has been applied to the right side of the excavation and a sheet pile wall to the left. Figure 3 provides a detailed view of these two wall types, highlighting how DeepEX seamlessly handles mixed wall configurations within a unified modelling environment. This ability to model hybrid systems supports the design of realistic, constructible solutions that take full advantage of site-specific opportunities and constraints.
Including multiple wall types or sections in a single DeepEX model provides engineers with the design versatility necessary to address diverse site conditions and engineering objectives. Rather than being limited to a one-size-fits-all solution, engineers can develop highly customised excavation systems that maximise safety, performance, and cost-efficiency. This capability reflects DeepEX’s commitment to supporting advanced engineering practice and delivering powerful tools that respond to the demands of modern construction projects.
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