Comparative analysis of comprehensive software packages for geotechnical numerical modelling
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36910/6775-2410-6208-2026-15(25)-15Keywords:
soil-structure interaction, constitutive soil models, piles, combined piled-raft foundation, geotechnical numerical modelling, PLAXIS 3D, MIDAS GTS NXAbstract
The article considers the issue of selecting universal software packages for geotechnical numerical modelling of the soil-structure interaction system. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to account for the spatial behaviour of the soil mass, construction staging, contact interaction, seepage processes, and nonlinear soil behaviour. The aim of the study is to perform a comparative analysis of universal software packages for geotechnical modelling and to determine their comparative suitability for typical geotechnical design tasks and tasks of increased engineering complexity. The main groups of software are systematized: universal geotechnical software packages, general-purpose numerical modelling software packages, and specialized programs for specific geotechnical calculations. PLAXIS 3D, MIDAS GTS NX, FLAC3D, ZSoil, and Abaqus were selected for detailed comparison. The assessment was performed according to five criteria: soil model libraries, modelling of foundation systems, support for staged construction, automation of calculations and result processing, calculation stability and convergence control. PLAXIS 3D achieved the highest total score, demonstrating the most balanced capabilities for engineering geotechnical modelling. MIDAS GTS NX also showed high suitability, particularly for foundation systems and staged construction tasks. FLAC3D is appropriate for problems involving pronounced nonlinearity, large deformations, and geomechanical features. ZSoil provides sufficient functionality, provided that the numerical formulation is properly controlled. Abaqus is effective for nonstandard contact and research-oriented tasks. However, it requires more extensive methodological preparation. The obtained results can be used when selecting a software package for modelling foundation soils, foundations, and soil-structure interaction systems.
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