DeepEX vs. RetainEX
- deepexcavation
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Which Software is Right for You?
At Deep Excavation LLC, we offer two specialized tools for geotechnical wall design: DeepEX, our all-in-one excavation design software, and RetainEX, a streamlined solution for gravity and MSE walls.
Both tools are powerful. But which one fits your needs best?
What is RetainEX?
RetainEX is a dedicated software for engineers who focus exclusively on:
Gravity retaining walls (any shape)
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls with shotcrete or segmental blocks
Limit equilibrium checks (sliding, overturning, bearing)
International design codes
RetainEX is user-friendly and ideal for fast, accurate design of earth-retaining systems.
Optional Modules to Expand RetainEX
Add more power with:
Slope Stability ModuleIdentify critical slip surfaces and calculate Factors of Safety using Bishop, Spencer, and more.
2D FEM ModulePerform advanced finite element modeling, simulate staged construction, and assess deformation and soil-structure interaction.
Figure 1: Gravity wall model in RetainEX software – Soil pressures & critical slope surface
Figure 2: MSE backfill model in RetainEX software – FEM Analysis
What is DeepEX?
DeepEX is our comprehensive shoring design software for deep excavations, marine walls, and more.
It supports all major retaining systems:
Sheet piles, secant piles, diaphragm walls, tangent piles, king pile walls
Cantilevers, anchored walls, braced excavations, rakers, cofferdams, deadman systems, bulkheads, shafts, and more
Perfect for engineers handling complex urban, marine, or infrastructure projects.
Figure 3: Cofferdam model in DeepEX software
DeepEX with MSE/Gravity Wall Module
Want the best of both worlds? DeepEX can be expanded with the Gravity Walls / MSE Walls / Sea Walls / Abutments module, offering everything RetainEX does—plus far more.
You’ll be able to:
Design MSE systems and embankments with reinforcements
Handle wave pressures in quay walls
Model segmental block retaining walls and more
Figure 4: Gravity wall with MSE backfill in DeepEX software
Which Should You Choose?
Your Role/Project Type | Best Fit |
Only designing gravity and MSE walls | ✅ RetainEX |
Need full shoring + retaining wall capabilities | ✅ DeepEX with MSE Module |
Already use DeepEX and want to expand | ✅ Add MSE/Gravity Wall Module |
Need a lightweight option for a team member | ✅ Add RetainEX license |
Same Power, Different Scope
Both DeepEX and RetainEX share the same design environment, graphical modeling tools, calculation engines, wizards, and structural/geotechnical code support. The only difference is the range of projects they can handle.
DeepEX with the Gravity Walls module = all project types supported
RetainEX = only gravity retaining walls and MSE walls
Conclusion
RetainEX is the ideal solution for engineers focused solely on gravity and MSE wall projects, while DeepEX is the comprehensive tool of choice for deep excavation and shoring design across the board.
Both software options are backed by decades of development, deep geotechnical expertise, and an ongoing commitment to helping engineers build safer, smarter, and more efficient structures.
Let us show you how to reduce your design time by up to 90%!
