Geotechnical Engineering Simulations

A collection of interactive 3D visualizations and simulations to help you master concepts in geotechnical engineering.

Soil Classification - Theory & Concepts - Sieve Analysis

Systems for categorizing soils based on particle size and plasticity, including USCS and AASHTO.

Aggregate Gradation Curve

Loading chart...

Interpretation:

A well-graded soil has a good representation of particle sizes over a wide range. This leads to high density and stability as smaller particles fill the voids between larger ones. Best for structural fill and base courses.

Soil Classification - Theory & Concepts - Plasticity Chart

Systems for categorizing soils based on particle size and plasticity, including USCS and AASHTO.

USCS Plasticity Chart

Liquid Limit (LL): 45

Plasticity Index (PI): 20

Result

Lean Clay

The A-Line separates clays (above) from silts (below). The vertical line at LL=50 separates low plasticity (L) from high plasticity (H).

Flow Nets and Seepage Analysis - Theory & Concepts

Graphical representation of groundwater flow through soil media using flow nets.

Flow Net Calculator under Sheet Pile

Number of Flow Channels (

N_f

): 4

Number of Potential Drops (

N_d

): 10

Total Head difference

H

(m): 15

Permeability

k

(cm/s): 5.00e-3

Shape Factor ( $N_f / N_d$ )

0.40

Total Seepage ( $q$ )

0.0300

cm³/s per cm of wall

Effective Stress - Theory & Concepts

The principle of effective stress and its importance in soil strength and deformation.

Effective Stress Profile

Parameters

Water Table Depth (m)5.0

Layer 1 Unit Weight (kN/m³)16.0

Layer 2 Unit Weight (kN/m³)19.0

Layer 1: 0-4m (Sand)
Layer 2: 4-10m (Clay)
Observe how raising the water table increases pore pressure ( $u$ ) and decreases effective stress ( $\\sigma'$ ).

Compressibility and Consolidation - Theory & Concepts

Soil settlement analysis, one-dimensional consolidation theory, and time rate of settlement.

Interactive Consolidation Lab

Clay Layer Thickness,

H

(10 m)

Drainage Condition

Double (Sand Top & Bottom)Single (Rock Bottom)

Install Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs)

Time to 90% Consolidation ( $U=90\\%$ )

0.00 years

Excellent! Construction can proceed quickly.

Sand / Fill (Drainage)

SOFT CLAY

Sand (Drainage)

Shear Strength - Theory & Concepts - Mohrs Circle Soil

Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, shear strength parameters, and laboratory testing methods.

Mohr-Coulomb Failure Criterion

Stable

Major Stress (σ₁)100

Minor Stress (σ₃)40

Cohesion (c)10

Friction Angle (φ)30 °

If the circle touches or crosses the red failure envelope, the soil fails in shear. The radius of the circle represents the maximum shear stress ( $\\tau_{max} = (\\sigma_1 - \\sigma_3)/2$ ).

Lateral Earth Pressure - Theory & Concepts - Wall Stability

Calculation of lateral forces on retaining structures using Rankine, Coulomb, and Culmann theories.

Gravity Retaining Wall Stability

Wall Height, H (m): 5

Base Width, B (m): 3

Soil Friction,

\\phi

(deg): 30

FS Overturning

0.00

Target: ≥ 2.0

FS Sliding