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12-16 Rue de Vincennes


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Tel : +33 1 48 70 47 41
Fax : +33 1 48 59 12 24
cesar-lcpc@itech-soft.com
www.cesar-lcpc.com

itech - 2011
Getting started with CESAR-LCPC version 5

Table of contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1. About CESAR .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2. History ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3. Installation ................................................................................................................................................ 6
2. CESAR-LCPC V5 CONTENT ..................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1. Work sequence .......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2. Modelling process ..................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 CAD tools ............................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2. Meshing procedures ............................................................................................................................ 10
2.3. Analysis features ..................................................................................................................................... 13
2.3.1. Elements library .................................................................................................................................. 13
2.3.2. Constitutive models ............................................................................................................................ 14
2.3.3. Computation modules ........................................................................................................................ 16
2.4. Tools for results analysis ......................................................................................................................... 17
3. GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND FEATURES .................................................................................................................. 19
3.1. Organization of the window and menu system....................................................................................... 19
3.2. Views, Selections and manipulations ...................................................................................................... 20
3.2.1. Selections ............................................................................................................................................ 20
3.2.2. Views and manipulations ................................................................................................................... 21
3.3. Work sequence of CESAR ......................................................................................................................... 22
4. GENERAL PRINCIPLES............................................................................................................................................. 27
4.1. Construction stages ................................................................................................................................. 27
4.1.1. Management and recovery of stress states ........................................................................................ 27
4.1.2. Operations on group of elements during phases of construction ....................................................... 28
4.2. Initial stress field ..................................................................................................................................... 30
4.2.1. Geostatic stress field in horizontal layers: the K0 procedure .......................................................... 30
4.2.2. The Self-weight procedure ............................................................................................................... 31
4.3. Automatic generation of excavation forces ............................................................................................ 32
5. APPENDIX 1: FILES MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 34
5.1. Files names .............................................................................................................................................. 34
5.2. Files generated by CESAR-LCPC v5 .......................................................................................................... 34

Getting started with CESAR-LCPC version 5
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. About CESAR
CESAR-LCPC is an all-purpose software package based on the finite element method and adapted to
resolving civil engineering and environmental problems: soil and rock mechanics, heat-related
problems, hydrogeology, structural computation, etc.
With version 5 of CESAR-LCPC, user takes benefits of a highly interactive graphical user interface,
powerful meshing capabilities, a wide variety of constitutive models and an extensive element library.
Civil engineering-based models assist the engineer in better understanding and mastering complex
phenomena (explanatory models), as well as in designing and sizing structures (predictive decision-
making models). Such models rely upon: an analysis of the phenomena under examination and their
physical-mathematical representation, the numerical resolution of the corresponding set of equations,
and comparisons with experimental results.

The main applications for CESAR-LCPC in geotechnical engineering are:
- Design of underground structures: tunnels, mines, storage facilities, deep excavations
- Design of embankments, shallow and deep foundations (settlements and soil failure analysis),
- Design of pavement structures,
- Slope stability analysis: cut or fill for highways, reinforced slopes, earth retaining structures
- Seepage, dewatering and consolidation analyses.

The main applications for CESAR-LCPC in structural engineering are:
- High buildings and industrial facilities,
- Massive concrete structures (phenomena associated with young hardening concrete),
- Design of steel, concrete or composite bridges.
1.2. History
The IFFSTAR, former LCPC (Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chausses / Road and Public Works
Research Institute), civil engineering research facility has been involved with these model-building
efforts since the end of the 1960's and over the past thirty years has been concentrating on the
development of its CESAR-LCPC software package.

Development of the CESAR-LCPC product got underway towards the beginning of the 1980's as a
definitive successor to the ROSALIE system (developed and revised by the LCPC between 1968 and
1983); Version 2.0 was initially released in 1986. CESAR-LCPC has been designed for continual revision
and updating by virtue of its status as a research and development tool.


Getting started with CESAR-LCPC version 5
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Examples of models designed and analysed with previous versions of CESAR-LCPC
1.3. Installation
System requirement
CESAR-LCPC operates on IBM compatible Personal Computer (PC) in Windows environment.
In addition, CESAR-LCPC requires the following minimum configuration.
Operating system Microsoft Windows XP / Vista / 7, 32 bits or 64 bits.
(Microsoft Windows 7, 64 bits or later recommended)
CPU Pentium Core Duo 2,5 GHZ recommended
Memory (RAM) 512 MB (4 Go or greater recommended)
HDD space 8 Go
Video Card Nvidia GeForce Type video card recommended
Video Memory 32 Mo (252 Mo or greater recommended)
Installation sequence
Follow the steps below to install CESAR-LCPC.
1. Insert the CESAR-LCPCv5 CD in the CD-ROM drive.
2. Installation will proceed automatically.
- Define the setup directory
- Setup Ghostscript and Ghostview for the postsript files (needed for prints)
3. Reboot the computer to initialize the program environment.

As a result of the setup, 3 programs are installed on the computer:
- CLEO2D.exe, pre- and post-processor for 2D FE models, with icon ,
- CLEO3D.exe, pre- and post-processor for 3D FE models, with icon ,
- CESARv4.exe, Finite Element kernel.

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2. CESAR-LCPC V5 CONTENT
2.1. Work sequence
CESAR-LCPC proposes 2D and 3D post and pre-processors, Cleo2D and Cleo3D. Use of both will follow
the same work sequence:
- Geometry modelling,
- Mesh generation,
- Model properties (materials, boundary conditions, loadings...),
- Computation of the solution,
- Results analysis.

Example: analysis of a footing on a 2-slope embankment
1. Geometry: lines

2. Geometry: volumes

2. Mesh densities

4. Mesh

5. Model properties: uniform pressure

6. Results

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2.2. Modelling process
2.2.1 CAD tools
Using CESAR-LCPC, user will access
advanced geometry modelling features.
These are necessary to achieve 2D as well
as 3D complex analysis.
Data exchange is also possible with other
CAD software (dxf import for example).
Standard tools enable the user the easy
definition and edition of the geometry of
the structure.
- Definition of lines, circles, ellipses,
splines, predefined structures,
- Definition of surfaces type plane,
cylindrical, Coons,
- Translation, rotation and symmetry
operations,
- Intersection of lines, surfaces

In version 5 of CESAR-LCPC, new features
have been added. Among them are:
- NURBS,
- Volumes of any shape,
- Intersections.

NURBS Surfaces
Non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) is a mathematical model commonly used in computer
graphics for generating and representing curves and surfaces which offers great flexibility and precision
for handling both analytic and freeform shapes.
In CESAR-LCPC, NURBS are controlled by an external boundary and inner points.
Using these NURBS is useful for modelling of complex geotechnical or structural problems.

Cloud of points (terrain) and resulting NURBS
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Volumes of any shape
With the same objectives of the NURBS, volumes of any shapes are fundamental for complex
geotechnical or structural models.
CESAR-LCPC enables the generation of volumes closed by surfaces on any shape.

Example of volumes
Intersections
- Volume/volume
- Volume/surface
- Surface/surface
- Surface/line
- Line/line
- Line/surface

Toolbox for intersections

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2.2.2. Meshing procedures
Surface meshing
Surface meshing is the common procedure for 2D models as well for shell elements generation. Surface
meshes are quadrangular or triangular, depending of the geometry of the supporting surface.
CESAR-LCPC proposes 3 levels of mesh algorithms. These levels are useful to generate transition
meshes from refined areas to loose areas.

These algorithms are also used for surface mesh generation in 3D (shell and plates elements).



Examples of 2D mesh evolutions in function of the algorithm: linear, quadratic or cubic.

3D Surface meshes
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3D mesh - Tetrahedron mesh generator
A major evolution of CESAR-LCPC v5 is to propose the user to get free of geometrical constraints. This
is made possible by using automatic tetrahedron mesh generators. Those fill the volume from its
external surface mesh.
CESAR-LCPC v5 offers 2 types of mesh generators:
- An integrated one, with option to define a mesh coarseness;
- An external one, TETMESH-GHS3D, developed by INRIA and SIMULOG.


3D mesh - Super-element procedure
This robust method is used when the model can be decomposed in volumes with standard shape:
hexahedron, pentahedron or tetrahedron.
It has as advantages that the mesh is regular. However, this kind of mesh imposes that densities on
edges are the same on opposite sides of the volume.
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The mesh generator fills the volumes with corresponding elements: hexahedrons, pentahedrons or
tetrahedrons.

Example of mesh with super-elements
3D mesh - Extrusion procedure
This procedure is useful when a 2D mesh exists and can be used for a 3D model. This is the case of
models with a principal direction.

Example 1: tunnel 2D mesh and the resulting 3D mesh

Example 2: embankment 2D mesh and the resulting 3D mesh
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2.3. Analysis features
2.3.1. Elements library
All the elements in CESAR are grouped in families. The following table describes the available
element families in the current version of the software.
Mechanics
Family 1 Two-dimensional isoparametric displacement-type elements
Family 2 Three-dimensional isoparametric displacement-type elements
Family 3 Two-dimensional beam element
Family 4 Three-dimensional beam element
Family 5 Shell elements
Family 6 (2D, 3D) Contact elements
Family 7 Two-dimensional truss elements
Family 8 Three-dimensional truss elements
Family 11 Axisymmetrical isoparametric displacement-type elements for the computation of structures
with a revolution-based geometry submitted to any loading
Diffusion
Family 21 Two-dimensional isoparametric diffusion-type elements
Family 22 Three-dimensional isoparametric diffusion-type elements
Family 23 Two-dimensional exchange elements
Family 24 Three-dimensional exchange elements
Family 25 Discontinuous elements for identifying a free surface (plane problems)
Coupling
Family 41 Two-dimensional isoparametric elements with three degrees of freedom per node (two
displacements, hydraulic load) for consolidation problems
Family 42 Three-dimensional isoparametric elements with four degrees of freedom per node (three
displacements, hydraulic load) for consolidation problems
Family 45 Two-dimensional isoparametric elements with four degrees of freedom per node (two
displacements, pore pressure, temperature) for thermomechanical problems in porous media
Family 46 Three-dimensional isoparametric elements with five degrees of freedom per node (three
displacements, pore pressure, temperature) for thermomechanical problems in porous media

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2.3.2. Constitutive models
Constitutive laws for the element families used in Mechanics and Geomechanics.

Family Constitutive model Type of material
Family 1 Elasticity:
isotropic linear
orthotropic linear
with isotropic dilatancy
Elastoplasticity, criterion:
Mohr-Coulomb (with or without strain
hardening, with or without orthotropic elasticity)
Tresca
Von Mises (with or without strain hardening)
Drcker-Prager (with or without strain
hardening)
parabolic
Vermeer
Nova
modified Cam-Clay
Prevost and Hog
oriented
Melanie
Willam - Warnke
Hoek - Brown
Other:
early-age concrete







sand, clay, rock
clay
metals
sand, clay, rock

concrete
sand
sand
clay
rock
stratified medium
clay
concrete
rock

concrete
Family 2 Elasticity:
isotropic linear
orthotropic linear
with isotropic dilatancy
Elastoplasticity, criterion:
Mohr-Coulomb
Von Mises (with or without strain hardening)
Drcker-Prager (with or without strain
hardening)
parabolic
Vermeer
Nova
modified Cam-Clay
Prevost and Hog
oriented
Willam - Warnke
Hoek - Brown
Other:
early-age concrete






sand, clay, rock
metals
sand, clay, rock

concrete
sand
sand
clay
rock
stratified medium
concrete
rock

concrete
Families 3, 4,
5, 7, 8 and 11
Linear isotropic elasticity
Family 6 Contact laws:
bonding
Coulomb friction
perfect slippage


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Constitutive laws for the element families used in Coupled analysis.

Family Constitutive model

Family 41

Mechanics:
linear isotropic elasticity
linear orthotropic elasticity
Hydraulics:
anisotropic behavior

Family 42 Mechanics:
linear isotropic elasticity
Hydraulics:
anisotropic behavior

Family 45 Thermo-poro-elasticity:
isotropic linear
orthotropic linear
with isotropic dilatancy
Thermo-poro-elastoplasticity, criterion:
Mohr-Coulomb
Tresca
Von Mises (with or without strain hardening)
Drcker-Prager (with or without strain hardening)
parabolic
Vermeer
Nova
modified Cam-Clay
Prevost and Hog
oriented

Family 46 Thermo-poro-elasticity:
isotropic linear
orthotropic linear
with isotropic dilatancy
Thermo-poro-elastoplasticity, criterion:
Von Mises (with or without strain hardening)
Drcker-Prager (with or without strain hardening)
parabolic
Vermeer
Nova
modified Cam-Clay
Prevost and Hog
oriented

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2.3.3. Computation modules
We list here the computation modules, which are available in the present version of CESAR. Every
module is characterized by a key word based on acronyms.
Mechanics or Diffusion
LINE Resolution of a linear problem
LIGC Resolution of a linear problem by means of the preconditioned conjugate gradient method, associated
with a morse storage system
Statics
MCNL Mechanics problem exhibiting non-linear behaviour
- C-phi reduction procedure
- Safety factor procedure
TCNL Contact problem between elastoplastic solids
TACT Ccontact problem between elastic solids
AXIF Computation of an axisymmetrical elastic structure (revolution-based geometry), submitted to any load
MEXO Evolution of stresses in early-age concrete
Dynamics
DYNI Determination of the response to a dynamic load by means of direct integration
MODE Determination of Eigen modes: eigenvalues and eigenvectors
SUMO Determination of the response to a dynamic load by means of modal superposition
LINC Response to a harmonic load with damping (resolution of a linear problem in complex variables)
LINH Determination of the response to a harmonic load without damping
Diffusion
SURF Resolution of a plane flow problem in porous media with free surfaces
DTLI Resolution of a linear transient diffusion problem by means of direct integration
DTNL Resolution of a non-linear transient diffusion problem
NSAT Resolution of a flow problem in unsaturated porous media
TEXO Evolution of the temperature in early-age concrete
Coupling
CSLI Consolidation problem for saturated linear elastic materials
MPLI Linear evolution problem in porous media with thermal coupling (thermo-poro-elasticity)
MPNL Non-linear evolution problem in porous media with thermal coupling (thermo-poro-plasticity)
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2.4. Tools for results analysis
CESAR-LCPC v5 is a modelization tool for use in Civil engineering offices. Therefore results have to be
easily displayed, analysable and printable in order to assist the user in a better understanding of the
phenomena and the edition of the calculation report.
Display of results
Graphical analysis of results is useful in the case of 3D models. CESAR-LCPC v5 offers tools for a
detailed analysis of the finite element results. Display of results can be global or differentiated by type
of elements: volumes, shells or beams.
We present here some of these features:
- Scalar plots


- Scalar plots surfaces

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- Cut planes

Each of these views can be captured and stored for illustration in the calculation report.
Graphs of results
Graphs give complementary information of the evolution of a parameter. In CESAR-LCPC v5, graphs
can be plotted for a group of points, a segment or along a cut line.
For mechanical problems, results are displacements, stresses or strains. En mcanique, les scalaires
exploitables sont les rsultats en dplacements, contraintes et dformations. They are also
combinations of stresses allowing the drawing of the evolution of a criterion.
Listing of results
CESAR-LCPC v5 creates a listing file reporting all or part of the information and results of the model.
This listing file enables the access of a maximum of information per group of elements and/or per type
of results. Thus the user can capitalize and analyse the results of his model in the most detailed way.
The listing file is also the best way to check the good progress of the calculations as all the iteration
process is written there.


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3. GENERAL ORGANIZATION AND FEATURES
3.1. Organization of the window and menu system
The user interface is organized as follows:
- Main menu: provide access to main features through listed menus.
- General toolbar: the icons provide quick access to frequent actions listed in the Main menu.
- Project flow toolbar: access from one step to the other in the current project, from geometry
definition up to result visualization.
- Step toolbar: contextual bar providing access to all the actions available within the current project
stage.
- Work window: it is the area where the model is visualized.



Work window
Project flow toolbar
General toolbar
Step toolbar
Main menu
Selection toolbar
Color palette toolbar
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3.2. Views, Selections and manipulations
All the views, selections and manipulations features of CESAR-LCPC helps the user in a better handling
of the model from geometry design to results analysis.

3.2.1. Selections
Selection toolbar
On the "Selection toolbar", user will specify the selectable entities. The list of entities varies from one
step to the other.
Hence, in Geometry:

- Points
- Edges
- Surfaces
- Volumes

And in Mesh:

- Edges
- Surfaces
- Volumes
- Nodes
- Segments
- Facets
- Finite elements
3D Views and manipulations
Entities display
Isoparametric views
Zooms
Selection toolbar
(updated at each project step)
Selection types
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The type of finite elements is specified using Selection options.

Selection tools

Selection Direct selection by left-click on an item.
Multiple selections are possible using SHIFT or CTRL key.

Broken-line selection Select the entities by successively clicking the corners of a
polygon containing the relevant entities with the mouse cursor.

Selection of items by name Select an item by its type and its name defined in this toolbox
among those listed.

Selection of groups by name Select a group in the list of group displayed by this toolbox
(Active when a mesh is generated)
Selection by colour using the colour palette
toolbar
Selection of a colored item by right-click on its colour on the
palette toolbar
3.2.2. Views and manipulations
Zooms

Zoom Enlarge the entities contained in a window defined with the
mouse cursor

Zoom + Uniform growth of the model view in the work space

Zoom - Uniform reduction of the model view in the work space

Autoscale Fit the window to the limits of the model

Zoom and focus Fit the window to the model and adjust the camera direction
and distance
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Views

Show all Show all entities of the model

Show selection only Show only the selected entities

Hide selection Hide the selected entities from view

Dynamic pan By dragging the mouse (or pushing on the mouse-roller), move
the model view

Dynamic rotation By dragging the mouse, rotation of the model view

Dynamic zoom By dragging the mouse (or using the mouse roller), zoom in/out
the model view
Isoparametric views

Front view Display the model as viewed from the +X direction

Back view Display the model as viewed from the -X direction

Left view Display the model as viewed from the -Y direction

Right view Display the model as viewed from the +Y direction

Top view Display the model as viewed from the +Z direction

Bottom view Display the model as viewed from the -Z direction

Isoparametric view Display the model in three-dimensional space
User-defined view

Storage of current view

User view
3.3. Work sequence of CESAR
The key for the use of the GUI is the project flow bar. It will guide the user in the model generation
steps:
- Definition of geometrical entities (points, lines, surfaces, volumes...),
- Finite element mesh generation (2D or 3D meshes, line elements, interface elements...),
- Model state (material properties, boundary conditions, loads, construction phases),
- Calculation launcher,
- Results analysis.
Each button of this toolbar corresponds to a project step. It is activated with the progression of the
study; thus the user is guided and protected during its work.
From the left to the right, the user will find the following groups of buttons: model building, model
initialization, definition of boundary condition, load definition, calculation, post-processing.
We describe these steps / groups of actions.
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Start End

Step 1: Mesh generation from geometry to mesh




In this step, user will:
- create the geometry of the Finite Element model,
- define the mesh density,
- generate the Finite Elements for the final mesh.
Step 2: Model type and Property assignment




In this stage, the user specifies the current active model.

When a new model is defined, the user must specify the type of analysis the model is intended to. For
instance, two models may be specified based on the same mesh. One is intended to carry out a heat
flow analysis while the other is intended to carry out a structural analysis. The base mesh is termed
neutral mesh since it is independent from the element type (flow, mechanical axisymmetric,
mechanical plane strain).

The properties button enables the user to assign material or geometrical properties to element
groups.
Step 3: Initial values




For many analysis types, the user must specify the initial values of some variable fields. Such variables
are for instance the in situ stresses for non-linear static analysis of geotechnical problems, initial
velocity fields for dynamic analysis, etc
Step 3
Step 2
Step 1
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Step 4: Boundary conditions edition




The boundary conditions define the state on the model boundaries (displacements, water level,
temperature).
In several cases, these boundary conditions define symmetry plans, thus it reduces the size and number
of nodes of the model.
Loading set edition



In order to unbalance the Finite Element model, loads must be defined and applied to the model. These
loads are of various kinds. They are defined in loading sets that are independent (calculations with
LINE) or combined (MCNL calculations and others).
Step 6: Analysis parameters



Before launching the calculation, several parameters have to be defined depending of the physics of
the problem.
Especially, the iteration process must be properly defined for staged or non-linear calculations.
Step 7: Calculation



All the problem data being properly defined, we call here the kernel. The user can follow the analysis
progress monitored in a DOS box.
Step 8: Result post-processing



Through this step, CESAR-LCPC v5 proposes several tools for the analysis of the calculation results. 3
actions:
Step 8
Step 7
Step 6
Step 5
Step 4
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- Display of results on the global or partial mesh,
- Definition of entities (groups of nodes, cut lines),
- Drawing of curves on for the entities previously defined.




Example of toolbars for a coupled problem (initial conditions, boundary conditions, loadings)

Mechanics:
Boundary conditions on
displacements
Hydrogeology:
Boundary conditions on hydraulics,
seepage and exchanges
Diffusion:
Boundary conditions
on temperatures
Mechanics:
Initial displacements
Mechanics:
Initial stresses
Diffusion:
Initial temperatures
Hydrogeology:
Initial pressure
Mechanical loadings
Hydrogeology:
exchanges, flows
Temperature :
exchanges, flows

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4. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
This document is completed with a suite of tutorials. These examples will guide the user in the
discovery of the main features of CESAR-LCPC v5 in 2D and 3D.

In this chapter are described the main principles for a good use of CESAR-LCPC v5. The scope of
application is mainly the geotechnical engineering; however structural analysis follows some of these
points. These principles concern:
- Stages of construction,
- Initial stress fields,
- Excavation forces.
4.1. Construction stages
The simulation of the constructions stages is important for a correct representation of the phenomena
and a good analysis of the stresses and strains in the structures. Each stage of construction will be
defined as a new model in CESAR-LCPC (tool , Model definition).
4.1.1. Management and recovery of stress states
In order to link the stages of construction, calculations will be initialized with the stress field calculated
at previous stage. Hence, the following process:

Stage 1 o
0
AF
1
o
1

Stage 2 o
1
AF
2
o
2


Stage n o
n-1
AF
n
o
n


will be defined in CESAR-LCPC through the following operations:


Name = Phase 1
Initialization type =
Initialization
parameters

Choice between:
Uniform stress per
group
Geostatic stresses
Stresses from file

Name =
Load set 1

Storage for restart =
file, Phase1.rst

Name = Phase 2
Initialization type =
Simple restart

Name of the file =
Phase1.rst

Name =
Load set 2

Storage for restart =
file, Phase2.rst


Name = Phase n
Initialization type =
Simple restart

Name of the file =
Phase(n-1).rst

Name =
Load set n

Storage for restart =
file, Phase(n).rst

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Or, user chose the initialization type Phased analysis and the process will be automatically done:


Name = Phase 1
Initialization type =
Phased analysis

Choice between :
Uniform stress per group
Geostatic stresses
Stresses from file

Name =
Load set 1
Automatic storage of the
stress field

Name = Phase 2
Initialization type =
Phased analysis
Automatic initialization of
the stress field from Phase 1

Name =
Load set 2
Automatic storage of the
stress field


Name = Phase n
Initialization type =
Phased analysis
Automatic initialization of
the stress field from Phase
n-1

Name =
Load set n
Automatic storage of
the stress field
4.1.2. Operations on group of elements during phases of construction
In CESAR-LCPC, user will a) mesh all elements, b) affect them a given set of properties and c) pilot their
status, active or non active.
Sets of elements having same properties and status during the calculation process will be a group of
elements.

Example: 2D tunnel excavation and lining setup.

Phase 0 : Initial stress field Phase 1 : Excavation of the
tunnel section.
Phase 2 : Setup of the lining
elements.

Groups 1, 2 & 3 are active. Deactivation of groups 2 & 3. Activation of group 2.
Properties of groups 1, 2 & 3:
soil parameters.
Properties of group 1:
soil parameters.
Properties of group 1:
soil parameters.
Properties of group 2:
concrete parameters.
Initial stress field: Initial stress field: {o0} Initial stress field: {o1}
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
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geostatic stresses
Tool Initial conditions
Load set: none. Load set 1:
Excavation forces on the limits of
the tunnel section.
Tool Excavation forces
Load set 2:
Self-weight of lining elements

Tool Gravity forces
Results: {o0}, {c0}, {F0} Results: {o1}, {c1}, {F1} Results: {o2}, {c2}, {o2}

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4.2. Initial stress field
In previous section, the initial stress field is initialized in the first calculation, set as Phase 1. In given
cases, it is necessary to isolate the initial stress field:
- control of the computed initial stresses,
- generation of initial stresses with the self-weight of the soil layers.
Therefore we isolate 2 distinct procedures for initial stress field computation:
- geostatic stress field in horizontal layers,
- self-weight procedure.
4.2.1. Geostatic stress field in horizontal layers: the K0 procedure
The self-weight procedure is to be used in following cases:
- the soil layers are horizontal,
- the soil layers materials are homogeneous,
- interface elements are not activated.
The parameters used for the self-weight procedure are input in the Parameters initializations toolbox
( ), Geostatic stresses definition:

where Ko_x and Ko_y are the earth pressure coefficients in the x and y directions respectively.
Hence in a uniform homogeneous layer, we get:
- Vertical stress


- Horizontal stress



The process in CESAR-LCPC is described in the following table.

Name = Phase 0
Initialization type =
Phased analysis


Geostatic stresses

Name = No load Automatic storage of
the stress field

Name = Phase 1
Initialization type =
Phased analysis
Automatic initialization
of the stress field from
Phase 0

Name = Load set
1
Automatic storage of
the stress field
...

Note that this procedure generated with the Phased analysis, is also fully compatible with the
Initialization/restart one, where the stress fields are handled by the user (see previous chapter).
Getting started with CESAR-LCPC version 5
- 31 -
4.2.2. The Self-weight procedure
The self-weight procedure is to be used in following cases:
- the soil layers are not horizontal,
- the soil layers materials are not homogeneous,
- interface elements are activated.
The parameters used for the self-weight procedure are the elastic ones input in the Property
assignment toolbox ( ): density, Poissons ratio
Hence in a uniform homogeneous layer, we get:
- Vertical stress


- Horizontal stress



The process in CESAR-LCPC is described in the following table.

Name = Phase 0
Initialization type =
Phased analysis

No definition


Name =
Self-weight of the
soil layers
Tool Gravity
forces
Automatic storage of the
stress field

Name = Phase 1
Initialization type =
Phased analysis
Automatic
initialization of the
stress field from
Phase 0

Name = Load set
1
Automatic storage of the
stress field


Note that this procedure generated with the Phased analysis, is also fully compatible with the
Initialization/restart one, where the stress fields are handled by the user (see previous chapter).
Getting started with CESAR-LCPC version 5
- 32 -
4.3. Automatic generation of excavation forces
For excavation problems, the stresses initially present in the excavated block of soil are replaced by
balancing external forces on the wall of the excavation. These confinement forces are removed
gradually during the excavation phase(s). These forces have the following expression:

o + o
o + o
=
)
`

y yy x yx
y xy x xx
y
x
n n
n n
T
T
. .
. .
0 0
0 0


with
-
y x
T T , vector of the confinement forces
- o
ij
0
tensor of the initial stresses
-
y x
n n , unit vector normal to the excavation wall
- ratio between 0 and 1 representing the loss of confinement to be applied in the
considered phase.
The initial stresses used in the formula can be defined either from the field of geostatic in situ stresses
or from the stress results obtained from a previous analysis phase.
For 2D models, the ratio enables considering partial loss of confinement due to the arching effect in
the vicinity of the tunnel face.
For 3D models, the advance of the tunnel face and the arching effects are generally modelled. The ratio
can therefore be set to 1.


Evolution of the ratio in the vicinity of the tunnel face
Getting started with CESAR-LCPC version 5
- 33 -

2D visualization of excavation forces
Dialog box for the definition of excavation forces

3D visualization of excavation forces.

Getting started with CESAR-LCPC version 5
- 34 -
5. APPENDIX 1: FILES MANAGEMENT
5.1. Files names
The name of the study shall not:
- start with a number (but can contain one);
- contain one of these figures: "_", " ", "/", "\;
- exceed a given number of characters (default value is 20, set in the file SOLVES.MTRL).
5.2. Files generated by CESAR-LCPC v5
All along the process of generation and analysis of the model, CESAR-LCPC will generate several types
of files.
We take as example a study named TEST.
Files of the study:
- TEST.cleo25 for CLEO2D.
- TEST.cleo35 for CLEO3D.
This file contains all the information about the model (mesh, properties and results). It is the link
between the other files described hereafter.
Data file for the kernel:
This ASCII file is automatically generated by the 2D or 3D GUI. It is the translation of all the model
information requested for the calculation. As one study file can contain several calculation models Mi,
the generated file will be named: TEST_Mi.data.
Results files
- TEST_Mi.rsv4, binary file. It contains the results of model Mi ;
- TEST_Mi.list, ASCII file. It contains the model data, the results and the calculation process.
- TEST_mail.resu, binary file. It contains the mesh data.
Storage files:
During staged construction, the restart/initialisations are linked to stored stress fields. These are stored
in file with rst as extension. Thus the calculation of the file TEST_Mi.data will generate the file
TEST_Mi.rst.
It is important for the user to store these files as they may be useful in further calculations.


















Edit par :

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F-93100 MONTREUIL

Tl. : +33 1 48 70 47 41
Fax : +33 1 48 59 12 24
cesar-lcpc@itech-soft.com
www.cesar-lcpc.com


itech - 2011

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