Independent comparison between

Plaxis and DeepXcav

for a 20m metro station excavation

DeepXcav software program (Version 2011)

Document Version 1.0

Issued: 20-February-2012
Deep Excavation LLC
www.deepexcavation.com

20m deep excavation with cross-lot struts, independent comparison between Plaxis and DeepXcav.
Plaxis
DeepXcav

Maximum wall moments

Plaxis:
Mmax=
DeepXcav:
Mmax=

551 kNm/m
545 kNm/m

Difference in support reactions 10% to 20%

20m deep excavation with pretensioned ground anchors, independent comparison between Plaxis and DeepXcav.
Plaxis
DeepXcav

Maximum wall moments

Plaxis:
Mmax=
DeepXcav:
Mmax=

669 kNm/m
666 kNm/m

Difference in support reactions 10% to 20%

Comparison of water pressure contours

Plaxis

DeepXcav

Comparison of features between Plaxis 2D and DeepXcav:

DeepXcav is a software program dedicated to the design of deep excavations, soil nailing, and slope stability conditions. On the other hand, Plaxis is a general
finite element analysis tool that has potentially broader applications. Both tools can be very valuable in evaluating the behavior of deep excavations. However,
DeepXcav as a design tool offers many advantages that cover the overwhelming cases of deep excavations. The following table compares the basic features of the
two programs for deep excavations, slope stability, and soil nailing.
No.

Feature

Plaxis 2D

DeepXcav

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

Stage dependent analysis

Elastoplastic soil models
Linear-elasticity soil models
General finite element mesh for soil mass
Non-linear winkler spring approach
Subgrade reaction modulus approach
Number of walls
Changes in soil properties at any stage
Groundwater flow analysis
Undrained clay conditions
Consolidation
Soil property estimation tools from SPT and CPT
Expansion and contraction effects on struts and slabs
Limit equilibrium analysis methods
Customizable reports in word and pdf
Slope stability analysis
Soil nails and soil nail design
Automatic calculation of wall stiffness
Automatic calculation of tieback and strut stiffness
Eurocode 2, 3, 7, and 8 design methods
AISC, and ACI design codes
AASHTO LRFD combinations
Automatic structural wall optimization
Automatic support optimization
Warnings diagnostic

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No limit
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Only through strength reduction approach
Only as anchor elements
No
No
Only EC2 can be applied but complex
No
No
No
No
No

Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Up to two walls
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes, with Clouterre recommendations
Yes
Yes
Automatic
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

21
22
23
24
25

Price without technical support:

Optional technical support:

Euro: 8900 = USD $11900

Euro: 950 = USD $1280

USD $3075
USD $400

for more information contact us at:

sales@deepexcavation.com