Geotechnical Engineering - Software Descriptions

Some of the software listed below is available for downloading at this site as zipped files or self extracting zip files. This software may be copied and used without restriction.

By downloading the software, the user accepts responsibility for understanding the following conditions and limitations, and agrees to them:

• The FHWA does not provide user assistance or support for this software.
• The application of this software is the responsibility of the user. It is imperative that the responsible engineer understands the potential accuracy limitations of the program results, independently cross checks those results with other methods, and examines the reasonableness of the results with engineering knowledge and experience.
• There are no expressed or implied warranties.

In addition, all the software and related publications listed below are available for purchase from McTrans or PC-TRANS.

COM624P

Description: Laterally Loaded Pile Analysis, Version 2.0. The program uses the p-y curve method to analyze pile foundations subjected to lateral loads. COM624P determines the pile deflection, rotation, bending moment, and shearing forces using an iterative process which considers the nonlinear response of the foundation soils. This program uses the MS DOS operating system.

User's Manual Publication Number: FHWA-SA-91-048

COM624p software: I agree (241 KB, self extracting zip) to the downloading conditions above.

Driven

Driven 1.2 corrects a metric conversion error found only in Driven 1.1 when evaluating metric H-Piles.

Driven 1.1 corrects an SPT 'N' value problem with Driven 1.0. In Driven 1.0, SPT 'N' values at depths 100 ft and greater were not read back into the program when the file was reopened. When the user reopened the input file these N-values were shown as zeros. Driven 1.1 correctly reads the 'N' values.

Driven 1.0 is an upgrade the existing FHWA computer program, "SPILE version 2.0", from a basic analysis tool to an efficient and easy to use design tool. The upgrade will be a design tool that will increase engineering productivity while enhancing design quality. The upgrade, DRIVEN, will be a Microsoft Windows environment PC program that will take full advantage of the multi-tasking and utility features of the Microsoft Windows environment. The new program will also have the ability to create an input file for the GRLWEAP driveability analysis.

User's Manual Publication Number: FHWA-SA-98-074
Download Driven User's Manual (pdf - 1.5 mb)

Driven 1.2 installation (32 bit) software (2.2 Mb): I agree to the downloading conditions above.

Embank

Description: Settlement under embankment loads. This program computes the one-dimensional vertical settlement due to embankment loads. The program follows the equations presented by Lambe & Whitman (1969), Ladd (1973), Poulos, and Davis (1974). For the case of a strip symmetrical vertical embankment loading, the program superimposes two vertical embankment loads. For the increment of vertical stresses at end of fill, the program internally superimposes a series of ten rectangular loads to create the end of fill condition. This program uses the MS DOS operating system.

User's Manual Publication Number: FHWA-SA-92-045

Embank software: I agree (83 KB, self extracting zip) to the downloading conditions above.

FB-Pier

This program was previously referred to as "DEEP" or "DEEP Foundations" which was based on the Florida Pier program. The program is a non-linear, finite element analysis, soil-structure interaction program. The program is a complete substructure design program that includes both geotechnical and structural aspects of foundation and pier design. Program design and analysis features include single pile/shaft, pile/shaft groups, pile bents, sound walls, retaining walls, signs, and high mast lighting structures. Analysis capabilities include combined axial, lateral, and rotation resistance of the piles/shafts, pile cap, and pier components. The structural model includes both linear and non-linear (concrete cracking, steel yielding) capabilities, as well as biaxial interaction diagrams for all sections. The latter models (linear or non-linear) are available for prestressed piles, composite piles, drilled shafts, composite shafts, H-piles, pipe piles, and various concrete sections, reinforced and/or prestressed generally used for bridge piers. The new release also allows for different pile types within a group. Complete details for obtaining the program can be found in the distribution letter

FoSSA

The FoSSA 1.0 program computes the lateral and vertical foundation stresses and the magnitude and time rate of settlement resulting from roadway loading conditions (earth retaining structures, embankments, and all forms of temporary and permanent loads). The program uses analytical soil mechanics theories to solve one- and three- dimensional deformations based on the application of applied loads of varied geometry, intensity, and orientations. It can consider the effects of staged construction and prefabricated vertical drains (PVD's). The program is designed to be a production tool that is both user friendly and technically sophisticated. The input screens are created to address simple and complex problems. The output is extensive and is provided in both a graphical and tabular format

• Distribution Letter
• For U.S. State DOT and U.S. Federal Agency registered password holders, Maintenance Upgrade 05 (posted 03/21/07, .zip, 1 mb)
  
  • Unzip and copy 'FoSSA(1.0).exe' over existing version.
  • The update number will be on the lower left hand corner of the opening screen. It is recommended that any user holding a program without the update marking or lower update number to download and update their program.

Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSEW) 1.0

The program MSEW follows the design guidelines for the design and analysis of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls as presented in FHWA's Demonstration Project 82 (DP 82) manual entitled "Mechanically Stabilizes Earth Walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes Design and Construction Guidelines" (FHWA-SA-96-071).

The Federal Highway Administration is authorized to distribute the MSEW 1.0 program only to United States Transportation Departments and United States Federal Agencies. These agencies interested in requesting the MSEW software and/or a password should see the MSEW 1.0 distribution letter more information.

All others interested in purchasing the MSEW software should contact ADAMA Engineering, Inc., at http://www.msew.com/

MSEW 1.0 Upgrade

This upgrade will only run on computers where the software is installed and a password assigned.

For U.S. State DOT and U.S. Federal Agency registered password holders, MSEW 1.0 software update: (1.7 MB, zip file 1/22/2002)

ReSSA 1.0

ReSSA is an upgrade of RSS. The program follows the latest reinforced slope design guidelines and recommendations as presented in the new NHI course and reference manual, and it will be of interest to geologists, and geotechnical and structural engineers. The ReSSA program permits the user to design or analyze a range of reinforced slope problems by a variety of slope stability methods. There is a wide range of options specifically designed to accommodate most input variables encountered on both simple and complex reinforced slope problems. The program interface is modeled after the widely popular program, MSEW, and users are provided extensive help and output options.

The ReSSA 1.0 program is copyrighted and password protected. The FHWA is authorized by the developer to distribute a limited number of copies of the program to Federal agencies and State departments of transportation. Complete details on obtaining the ReSSA 1.0 program can be found in the distribution letter.

ReSSA 1.0 Upgrade

This upgrade will only run on computers where the software is installed and a password assigned.

For U.S. State DOT and U.S. Federal Agency registered password holders, ReSSA Update 04: (1.2 MB, zip file 04/06/2002). The update number will be on the lower left hand corner of the opening screen. It is recommended that any user holding a program without the update marking or lower update number to download and update their program.

To upgrade: The zip file contains the ReSSA(1.0) executable. Unzip and replace the existing ReSSA(1.0).exe with this one.

Reinforced Soil Slopes (RSS)

Description: A computer program for the design and analysis of reinforced soil slopes (RSS). The programs are based on FHWA manual "Reinforced Soil Structures Volume I-Design and Construction Guidelines" (FHWA-RD-89-043). Reinforced Slope Stability, this program analyzes and designs soil slopes strengthened with horizontal reinforcement, as well as analyzing unreinforced soil slopes. The analysis is performed using a two dimensional limit equilibrium method. The program uses an extensively modified version of the STABL computer program and guidelines for design of soil reinforcements as stated in Elias and Christopher (1996) and Christopher et. al. (1988 and 1990). This program uses the MS DOS operating system.

RSS software: I agree (190 KB, self extracting zip) to the downloading conditions above.

Spile

Description: Program for Determining Ultimate Vertical Static Pile Capacity. Computes the ultimate vertical static capacity of single piles in cohesive and cohesionless soils. The program follows the methods and equations presented by Norlund (1963, 1979), Thurman (1964), Meyerhof (1976), Cheney and Chassie (1982) and Tomlinson (1979, 1985). This program uses the MS DOS operating system.

User's Manual Publication Number: FHWA-SA-92-044

SPILE software: I agree (96 KB, self extracting zip) to the downloading conditions above.