Cofferdams in DeepEX
Cofferdams can be designed with DeepEX software in the most efficient way. In DeepEX, we can design and optimize cofferdams with internal bracing in 3 simple steps:
1. Create our model in minutes in the software graphical interface, or using the powerfull model wizard (all construction stages).
2. Define our wall and support structural sections.
3. Run the analysis, review the results in each stage and optimize the model (manually or with the use of the DeepEX autimatic optimization tools).
The following paragraphs present how we can follow these steps within the software and achieve an efficient model optimization in minutes.
Figure: A Braced Sheet Piles Cofferdam Simulated in DeepEX Software
Step 1: Create the Model (All Construction Stages)
In DeepEX we can graphically add construction stages and draw the model on the model area stage by stage, or use the model wizard to create a model with all construction stages in seconds. Either way, we need to create a detailed staging, starting from at rest conditions in an initial stage, and then step by step generate new stages with each excabation and support installation level. DeepEX will analyze and present results for each stage, allowing us to review the full model construction process, identify the most critical stage and optimize our structural sections and support locations in the most efficient way.
Figure: Cofferdam Design - Construction Stages in DeepEX Software
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Step 2: Define the Wall and Support Types and Sections
Defining the Wall Type and Section
At any time, we can access and edit the structural section of our walls on the model area, or through the related tab of the model wizard. There, we can select our wall type, by selecting any of the available buttons.
Depending on the selected wall type (steel sheets, combined sheet pile walls, concrete or steel beem reinforced pile walls and more), we can define the wall section as follows:
1. For Steel Sheets and piles with steel beams (pipes, H beams, channel sections and more), the user can select any of the available steel sections from our extensive implemented databases, or define the steel section properties manually.
2. For reinforced concrete piles, the user should define the longitudinal and shear reinforcement of the examined section.
Defining the Struts Structural Sections
At any time, we can access and edit the steel strut sections on the model area, or in the related tab of the DeepEX model wizard. There we can select the steel struts type (H beams, pipes, square hollow sections) and either select any of the available steel sections from our extensive implemented databases, or define the steel section properties manually.
Step 3: Review the Results and Optimize the Model
DeepEX can analyze any deep excavation model with several implemented analysis methods (classical Limit Equilibrium, Non-Linear Analysis with elastoplastic springs and Finite Element Analysis). After the analysis is completed, DeepEX software presents all calculation results in tables and in graphs on the model area for each construction stage. We can review all calculated stresses, moment and shear diagrams along with the structural capacities, the support and wall check structural ratios, the wall embedment safety factors and more. This way, we can have a great overview of all structural items designed by the program for each stage, and take important decisions for the efficient model optimization.
We can optimize any model fast either manually by accessing all wall and supports on the model area and edit the structural sections and support locations fast through user friendly dialogs, or use the software automatic optimization tools that can fast check and give us a variety of section solutions for all structural items on the examined model.
Training Video - A Secant Pile Wall with Ground Anchors Designed with DeepEX:
