Add Geosynthetics

The Add Geosynthetics option is used to add planar 2-dimensional Geosynthetic support elements to a model. Geosynthetics are added as quadrilateral planar support elements as described below.

Once the above conditions are met, Geosynthetic supports can be added as follows:

1. Select the Loading & Support workflow tab.
2. Select Add Geosynthetics from the toolbar or the Support menu.
3. You will see the Add Geosynthetics dialog. In the dialog:
   • Choose whether you would like to define a single geosynthetics or define multiple with a pattern.
   • Select the Support Type property you wish to assign to the Geosynthetic.
   • Select the orientation definition: Horizontal or by Dip Direction.
   • For the single geosynthetic option: 
     • Enter the start and end points defining the corners of the Geosynthetic. 
     • Define the length of the layer, and optionally the width 

   • For the multiple geosynthetics (pattern) option:

     • Enter the primary path start and end points. The rest of the pattern will depend on these points.
     • Define the pattern by both primary path points (no width required) or the start point only (width required), or import a table with all geosynthetic layers (.csv or .txt files accepted).
     • Define the pattern spacing, x and y offsets, and number of geosynthetic layers.
     A Geosynthetic support element is a general planar quadrilateral defined by four points; it does not have to be a rectangle. For Two Points or One Point patterns, presets can be saved to easily remember and switch between patterns.
   • Select the Anchoring condition for each edge of the Geosynthetic(s). Typically the slope face edge will be Anchored and the other three edges will be free (Anchored checkbox turned off). The Anchored checkbox determines whether the pullout or stripping failure modes can occur along that edge.
4. Select the Preview Geosynthetic button to preview the Geosynthetic you have defined. If the location or Anchor conditions are incorrect, edit the coordinates as required.
5. When the Preview is correct, click OK to add the Geosynthetic to the model and exit the dialog.

Editing Geosynthetics

To edit a geosynthetic:

1. Click on the geosynthetic node in the Visibility Tree.
2. Select the Edit button next to the Applied Property section in the Properties Pane.
3. In the Edit Geosynthetic dialog that appears, edit the assigned support property, the points of the geosynthetic, or the anchorage.