U.S. Structural Codes & Load Combinations in DeepEX
- deepexcavation
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
The Ultimate Software for U.S. Engineers and Contractors in Deep Excavation and Tunnel Design
For geotechnical and structural engineers in the United States, designing deep excavations and tunnel systems presents unique challenges. From ensuring compliance with strict U.S. codes to performing detailed structural and geotechnical analyses, engineers and contractors need tools that are both efficient and reliable.
DeepEX is a comprehensive software solution built specifically for the needs of American engineers and contractors. It integrates all essential U.S. structural and geotechnical codes, provides advanced analysis methods, and streamlines the entire design process—from initial modeling to final verification. With its powerful features, DeepEX saves time, increases accuracy, and ensures compliance, making it an essential tool for professionals working on excavation and tunnel projects across the U.S.
Figure 1: Wall and tunnel lining moment capacities according to U.S. codes in DeepEX
Designed for U.S. Engineers: Full Compliance with American Codes and Standards
One of the most critical factors in deep excavation and tunnel design is meeting the requirements of U.S. structural and geotechnical codes. DeepEX is specifically tailored for American engineers, incorporating all major design standards and load combination requirements.
U.S. Structural Codes Integrated in DeepEX
ACI (American Concrete Institute): Ensures concrete walls, support elements, and tunnel linings are designed to meet ACI structural requirements.
AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction): Supports the design of steel components such as soldier piles, struts, and walers according to AISC standards.
LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design): Implements LRFD methodologies, the standard approach used in modern U.S. structural engineering to ensure safety and performance.
Figure 2: Structural Codes in DeepEX
U.S. Geotechnical Load Combinations Supported
AASHTO LRFD (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials): Essential for excavation and tunnel projects related to roads, highways, and bridges.
CALTRANS LRFD (California Department of Transportation): Includes California-specific seismic and geotechnical standards, critical for projects in high-risk seismic zones.
AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association): Ensures compliance with railway design standards for excavation systems and tunnels near or under rail infrastructure.
By incorporating these essential American codes and standards, DeepEX allows engineers to automatically apply the correct load combinations and perform accurate, code-compliant designs without manual calculations or external verification.
Figure 3: Applying an AASHTO load combination in a DeepEX model
How U.S. Engineers and Contractors Benefit from DeepEX
DeepEX is more than just a design tool—it is a powerful software suite that enhances productivity, ensures safety, and optimizes deep excavation and tunnel projects.
1. Faster Design and Real-Time Model Adjustments
With DeepEX, engineers can quickly generate and modify excavation and tunnel models. The interactive interface allows for real-time updates, meaning that any change to wall geometry, support types, or tunnel lining parameters is instantly reflected in the calculations. This reduces design time, minimizes errors, and allows engineers to adapt to evolving project requirements efficiently.
2. Advanced Analysis Methods for Any Project
DeepEX is the only software that provides all major analysis methods in one package, allowing engineers to select the best approach for their specific project:
Limit Equilibrium Analysis: Used for global stability and slope stability checks, ensuring safe excavation and tunnel designs in various soil conditions.
Non-Linear Analysis: Captures complex soil-structure interactions and helps optimize support systems under different loading conditions.
Finite Element Analysis (2D & 3D FEM): Allows engineers to perform detailed stress, displacement, and structural performance simulations for excavation walls, tunnel linings, and support elements.
Slope Stability Analysis: Ensures that deep excavations remain stable under all loading scenarios, avoiding failures that could lead to costly delays or safety hazards.
Having all these methods integrated in a single software suite allows engineers to compare results and select the most efficient and cost-effective design approach.
Figure 4: 3D FEM analysis in DeepEX – Wall and support shadings
Figure 5: 3D FEM analysis in DeepEX - Structural checks for all supports and walers
3. Optimized Cost and Material Usage
Because DeepEX integrates both structural and geotechnical design within the same environment, engineers can optimize material use—whether for steel, concrete, or excavation supports. The software automatically evaluates cost-effective solutions, ensuring safe designs without unnecessary overdesign.
4. Improved Risk Management and Safety
By utilizing code-compliant load combinations and automated structural checks, DeepEX reduces the risk of design failures. This is crucial for U.S. contractors working under tight safety regulations, as a non-compliant design could result in project delays, legal issues, or structural failures.
5. One Software for All U.S. Excavation and Tunnel Projects
With full integration of U.S. engineering codes, multiple analysis methods, and real-time modeling capabilities, DeepEX is the ultimate tool for designing:
Anchored deep excavations (e.g., soldier piles with tiebacks, sheet piles, diaphragm walls)
Braced excavations (e.g., steel struts, rakers, waler beams)
Soil nail and reinforced soil systems
Circular shafts and tunnel linings
Temporary and permanent excavation support structures
With DeepEX, American engineers and contractors can take on any deep excavation or tunnel project with confidence, knowing they have the most advanced and reliable software at their fingertips.
Figure 6: Anchored excavation in DeepEX - FHWA apparent earth pressures & moments envelope for all AAHSTO LRFD combinations
Conclusion: The Smart Choice for U.S. Engineers and Contractors
For geotechnical and structural engineers in the United States, DeepEX is the go-to software for deep excavation and tunnel design. With its modern interface, rapid modeling capabilities, full compliance with U.S. codes, and advanced analysis methods, it allows engineers to:
Design faster and more efficiently
Ensure full compliance with ACI, AISC, AASHTO, CALTRANS, AREMA, and LRFD codes
Reduce material costs and optimize structural performance
Minimize project risks and improve safety
Work on any deep excavation or tunnel project with a single software solution
DeepEX is not just a design tool—it’s an investment in accuracy, safety, and efficiency for engineers and contractors working on complex excavation and tunnel projects across the U.S.
Let us show you how to reduce your design time by up to 90%!
