Applications & Engineering Case Studies
Practical examples of ZSoil in foundation design, deep excavations, retaining structures, slopes, tunnels, dams and transport infrastructure.
These presentations show how numerical modelling supports settlement and deformation predictions, stability assessment, failure investigation and the design of conventional geotechnical structures, and thermally activated energy geostructures.
Select a topic below to view the examples.
FOUNDATIONS & SETTLEMENTS
Case studies on foundation bearing response, settlement and soil–structure interaction in high-rise buildings, bridge abutments and industrial structures. Topics include raft stiffness, piled-raft behaviour, working platforms, liquefaction and building rectification.
Conservative FE estimates of geotechnical limit loads
GeoMod, Switzerland
Modelling the process of correcting inclination building by jack-up method in Henan Province, China
SGIDI Engineering Consulting Co Ltd, China
Application of shallow foundation for super high-rise building on weathered rock
SGIDI Consulting Engineers, China
Modelling of raft foundations accounting for global rigidity of a building structure and time effects.
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Zace Services SA, Switzerland & Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Foundation optimal design of complex super high-rise with zsoil.pc
GEOFEM Shanghai, China
Stability of heavy machinery moving on a weak subsoil
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Settlement prediction of super highrise
GEOFEM Shanghai, China
Tackling liquefaction problems with ZSoil
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
Excavation and foundation settlement analysis of a 700m+ high-rise
GEOFEM Shanghai, China
Settlement prediction of a pile foundation for bridge abutment. A large scale 3D modelling using ZSoil
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
IUB Engineering, Switzerland
Concrete foundations for pipes and turbines FE modelling of complex 3D geometries in ZSoil
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
Settlement Prediction of a 606m Super high-rise
Shanghai Geotechnical Investigation & Design, Co. Ltd., GEOFEM, China
Modeling large foundation rafts
ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
Case study. Settlement analysis of an industrial building
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
DEEP FOUNDATIONS
Design and assessment of piles, barrettes and ground-improvement columns, from installation effects to load testing and settlement prediction. The collection also covers embedded-element formulations, slope-stabilising pile systems and thermally activated foundations.
Calibrating model parameters with load-test digital twins
Karakas-Français, Switzerland
Thermal design of energy barrettes using field tests and ZSoil simulations
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Application of Ultra High Strength Concrete (UHC) Pipe Pile for 200-m super-high-rise building
SGIDI Engineering Consulting Co Ltd, China
Nonlocal FEM modeling of piles/barrettes as beams embedded in the 3D continuum and its extension to structural column-plate connections
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Computer-aided design of a pile foundation based on prediction from transitory hydro-mechanical simulations
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Modeling piles/barettes as 1D inserts in 3D continuum yielding limited mesh dependency effect.
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Pile systems securing roads against landslide
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Settlement prediction of a pile foundation for bridge abutment. A large scale 3D modelling using ZSoil
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
IUB Engineering, Switzerland
Practice of Pile Foundation Treatment Based on ZSoil.PC
Shanghai Geotechnical Investigation & Design, Co. Ltd., GEOFEM, China
3D pile test with loading frame
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
INGPHI SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
FAILURE ANALYSIS & FORENSIC ENGINEERING
Numerical investigations of structural and geotechnical failures, including collapsed tunnels, retaining walls, buildings and landslides. These case studies examine failure mechanisms and the assumptions needed to reconstruct observed behaviour.
MSE wall failure with inadequate external drainage
EG Soft, South Korea
Practical verification of 3D tunnel models
EG Soft Consulting, Seoul, South Korea
Fully coupled analysis of seepage and deformation of shield tunnel collapse case
EG soft consulting Seoul, South Korea
2D/3D analysis of soldier pile wall (“Berlin” type). Case study of a disaster
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
3D Numerical Analysis of A Building Under Construction Collapse in Shanghai
Shanghai Geotechnical Investigation & Design, Co. Ltd., GEOFEM, China
DEEP EXCAVATIONS
Practical analysis of deep excavations and their effects on nearby buildings, railways and tunnels. Topics include diaphragm walls, construction sequences, large-scale 3D models and the use of monitoring, Bayesian calibration and AI to improve predictions.
Excavation at the Weyermannshaus viaduct
Emch+Berger, Switzerland
Unsymmetrical excavation: design predictions and monitoring
Karakas-Français, Switzerland
The Travis project: designing a deep excavation beside railway infrastructure
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Assessing metro tunnel movements caused by multiple neighbouring excavations
SGIDI Engineering Consulting (Group) Co., Ltd, China
Application of thick shells to model diaphragm walls in large scale 3D models
Karakas-Français SA & GeoDev., Switzerland
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Prediction of diaphragm wall displacements using live-bayesian model calibration
iTEC-HEIA-Fribourg, Switzerland
De Cerenville SA, Switzerland
iTEC-HEIA-Fribourg, GeoMod SA & GeoDev, Switzerland
ZSwalls+R: Mastering uncertainties in deep excavations calculations
GeoMod SA, Switzerland
An integrated framework for adaptive design and monitoring of deep excavations based on advanced data visualisation
Karakas-Français, Lausanne, Switzerland
Effects of deep excavation on adjacent tunnels
Shanghai Geotechnical Investigation & Design, Co. Ltd., China
Using AI to predict excavation behaviour without calculations
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
Numerical analysis of a shaft excavation considering installation and joint permeability of diaphragm wall
Shanghai Geotechnical Investigation & Design, Co. Ltd., China
Large scale modeling and simulations with ZSoil
Karakas & Francais SA and Rafal Obrzud Ing. Conseil; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Examples of large-scale simulations of soil-structure interaction with ZSoil
Karakas & Francais SA, Switzerland
Selected aspects of designing deep excavations using ZSoil.PC
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
The use of ZSoil for complex, large scale 3D simulations of a deep excavation in soft soils
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
Application of HS-small model to deep excavations and foundation rafts
ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
Numerical Simulation of Earthworks and Retaining System for an Excavation
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
RETAINING WALLS
Stability, deformation and structural assessment of retaining systems, including diaphragm walls, soldier-pile walls and anchored structures. Case studies address installation effects, drainage, creep, seismic strengthening and calibration against measured wall movements.
MSE wall failure with inadequate external drainage
EG Soft, South Korea
Unsymmetrical excavation: design predictions and monitoring
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Application of thick shells to model diaphragm walls in large scale 3D models
Karakas-Français SA & GeoDev., Switzerland
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Prediction of diaphragm wall displacements using live-bayesian model calibration
iTEC-HEIA-Fribourg, Switzerland
De Cerenville SA, Switzerland
iTEC-HEIA-Fribourg, GeoMod SA & GeoDev, Switzerland
ZSwalls+R: Mastering uncertainties in deep excavations calculations
GeoMod SA, Switzerland
On consistent nonlinear analysis of soil structure interaction problems using ZSoil. Diaphragm wall case study
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Analysis of influence of creep and damage on stress resultants and deformations in diaphragm walls
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
In situ stress disturbance caused by diaphragm wall installation in overconsolidated quarternary cohesive soils
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
Modelling anchors in retaining walls
IUB Engineering, Switzerland
FEM analysis of anchoring an old retaining wall against earthquakes
IUB Engineering, Switzerland
2D/3D analysis of soldier pile wall (“Berlin” type). Case study of a disaster
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
Analysis of the as-is-state of old natural stone barriers
HSLU, Lucern, Switzerland
ZSwalls, a standalone software dedicated to the analysis of stability and deformation of retaining walls
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
SLOPES & LANDSLIDES
Slope stability and landslide assessment under rainfall, seepage and variable ground conditions. Contributions cover probabilistic analysis, deformation prediction, dewatering and stabilisation using piles or other remedial measures.
Rainfall-driven slope instability: probabilistic FE digital twins
HEIA-FR, Switzerland
HEIG-VD, Switzerland
Benchmarking stability under seepage
IUB, Switzerland
Using conditional random fields to model slope instabilities
EPFL & Geomod SA, Switzerland
ZSslope: a new template for slope stability analysis
Zace Services Ltd, Switzerland
Pile systems securing roads against landslide
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Preliminary Slope Stability Analysis in Kenya — Karimenu II Dam Water Supply Works Project
Shanghai Geotechnical Investigation & Design, Co. Ltd., China
The 2D/3D method of filtration and stability analysis of a slope with dewatering wells
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Coupled hydro-mechanical landslide simulation
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
Saving a building structure in a landslide. ZSoil simulation and EC-based design procedure
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
3D Modeling of Progressive Deformation of Kościuszko’s Mound at Kraków
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
TUNNELS & UNDERGOROUND STRUCTURES
Case studies and modelling methods for tunnels, caverns and cut-and-cover structures. Topics include excavation-induced movements, lining response, ground improvement, seepage, collapse investigations and interaction with neighbouring excavations.
Practical verification of 3D tunnel models
EG Soft Consulting, Seoul, South Korea
Assessing metro tunnel movements caused by multiple neighbouring excavations
SGIDI Engineering Consulting (Group) Co., Ltd, China
A numerical time travel with stops at different problem statements
IGT Geotechnik und Tunnelbau, Austria
Dynamic analysis for ground movement due to blast load on NATM tunnel
EG soft consulting Seoul, South Korea
Fully coupled analysis of seepage and deformation of shield tunnel collapse case
EG soft consulting Seoul, South Korea
Effects of deep excavation on adjacent tunnels
Shanghai Geotechnical Investigation & Design, Co. Ltd., China
Complex Design Situations require complex model assumptions
IGT Geotechnik und Tunnelbau, Austria
Non-Linear Deflection-Force Application. Underground Train Station of Berne
Emch+Berger AG Bern, Switzerland
Underground modelling by ZSoil: A practical experience over the software’s strengths and development requirements
BG Consulting Engineers, Switzerland
Structural effects of the settlement of a multi-storey building due to an urban tunnel excavation
Stucky SA, Switzerland
Gruner AG, Switzerland
ZSoil in today’s projects
ELEA iC d.o.o. Civil engineering and consulting, Slovenia
Tunnel Analysis in Debris & Soft Rock – some tricks and …
IUB Engineering, Switzerland
Finite element simulation of a tunnel excavation in an urban environment: case study of the CEVA project
BG Consulting Engineers, Switzerland
Design of unreinforced Inner Linings in Tunnels with ZSoil Nonlinear Beams
IGT Geotechnik und Tunnelbau, Austria
Two-dimensional FE analysis on the influence of jet grouting on displacements around a tunnel
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
Cut and Cover study: 2D and 3D analyses
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
Excavation analysis of a large-scale underground power plant cavern: 2D and 3D FE analyses
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
BG Ingénieurs Conseils, Lausanne, Switzerland
Graitery Tunnel– Use of ZSoil for complex excavations
GVH ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
Cut and cover tunnel study with ZSoil 3D
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
De Cerenville, Switzerland
An Innovative Underground Power Sheme, Numerical Modeling
University of Porto, Portugal
DAMS
Assessment of concrete and earth dams under static, seismic, thermal and seepage loading. Case studies address existing cracks, dam heightening, slope stability and the representation of damping in dynamic simulations.
Assessing damping and energy loss in dynamic simulations
GeoMod SA & GeoDev Sàrl, Switzerland
Preliminary Slope Stability Analysis in Kenya — Karimenu II Dam Water Supply Works Project
Shanghai Geotechnical Investigation & Design, Co. Ltd., China
Static and Dynamic Analyses of Concrete Dams
Stucky Ing. Conseils SA, Switzerland
Evaluation of the behaviour of an arch-gravity dam featuring a pre-existing crack
Stucky Ing. Conseils SA, Switzerland
Seismic safety of a buttress dam and appurtenant structures – 3D static and dynamic analyses
Stucky Ing. Conseils SA, Switzerland
Modeling of thermal, filtration and mechanical phenomena in selected sections of a gravity dam
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
Heightening of an existing gravity dam – static and dynamic analyses
Stucky Ing. Conseils SA, Switzerland
Case study. Stability of an earthdam
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
Seismic verification of a dam
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
ROADS & TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Geotechnical and structural analysis of roads, railways, bridges and viaducts. Contributions address excavation near transport infrastructure, slope protection, bridge foundations and comparisons between predicted and measured movements.
Excavation at the Weyermannshaus viaduct
Emch+Berger, Switzerland
The Travis project: designing a deep excavation beside railway infrastructure
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Numerical analysis of historic masonry arch viaduct
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Presentation link not available.
Pile systems securing roads against landslide
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Numerical analysis of a road construction above a tunnel based on the construction procedure and tunnel measurement data
Shanghai Geotechnical Investigation & Design, Co, Ltd, China
Refurbishment of Road Infrastructure ‒ FE Analysis in Steep Slopes
IUB Engineering, Switzerland
Settlement prediction of a pile foundation for bridge abutment. A large scale 3D modelling using ZSoil
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
IUB Engineering, Switzerland
Comparison between predicted and measured settlements on a road project
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
ingPhi SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
De Cérenville, Géotechnique SA, Ecublens, Switzerland
Analysis of folded steel shell-earth bridge
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
ENERGY GEOSTRUCTURES
Thermal design of energy piles and barrettes, borehole heat exchangers and ground heat storage. Contributions connect field testing with numerical simulations, transient thermal response and thermo-hydro-mechanical modelling.
Thermal design of energy barrettes using field tests and ZSoil simulations
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Heat exchangers in ZSoil 2024
TRUgeo Co., Poland
Introduction to THM modeling and applications to transient energy simulations
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Ground heat storage pre-dimensioning
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
SUPSI, Switzerland
Base Consultants SA, Switzerland
Bonnard+Gardel SA, Switzerland
DEBRIS FLOWS & MUDSLIDES
Numerical simulation of moving mud and debris mixtures, with an emphasis on large movements and two-phase flow formulations. These contributions include Lagrangian methods for representing the motion of soil and water.
Mudslide and debris flows simulations
ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland
Numerical simulation of mudflows
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Switzerland
DEBRIS FLOWS & MUD SLIDES: A Lagrangian method for two-phase flow simulation
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Switzerland
STRUCTURAL MODELLING
Nonlinear modelling of concrete, masonry and timber structures, including connections, tunnel linings, bridges and diaphragm walls. Topics include soil–structure interaction, cracking, creep, elevated temperatures and structural condition assessment.
Masonry modelling challenges
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Numerical analysis of historic masonry arch viaduct
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Presentation link not available.
Modeling wood joints with ZSoil
GeoMod SA, Switzerland
Application of thick shells to model diaphragm walls in large scale 3D models
Karakas-Français SA & GeoDev., Switzerland
Karakas-Français SA, Switzerland
Nonlocal FEM modeling of piles/barrettes as beams embedded in the 3D continuum and its extension to structural column-plate connections
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Enhanced modeling of creep and aging in damage plasticity model for concrete
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Analysis of RC concrete structures subject to elevated temperatures in ZSoil v2018
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Extension of plastic damage model to handle fire problems. Recent developments
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Analysis of influence of creep and damage on stress resultants and deformations in diaphragm walls
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Modeling fire problems in ZSoil
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
Creep and aging in nonlinear models for concrete
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
ZACE Services, Switzerland
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services, Switzerland
Prof. em., Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Damage detection via eigenfrequencies: numerical simulations and in situ experiments
GeoMod ing. conseils SA, Switzerland
IMAC-EPFL, Switzerland
New damage-plastic model for concrete in ZSoil 2016
ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland
An orthotropic elasto-plastic damage model of masonry. Implementation as ZSoil user model
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Cracow University of Technology, KROZ, Poland
KROZ, Poland
Non-Linear Deflection-Force Application. Underground Train Station of Berne
Emch+Berger AG Bern, Switzerland
Structural effects of the settlement of a multi-storey building due to an urban tunnel excavation
Stucky SA, Switzerland
Gruner AG, Switzerland
Design of unreinforced Inner Linings in Tunnels with ZSoil Nonlinear Beams
IGT Geotechnik und Tunnelbau, Austria
Analysis of folded steel shell-earth bridge
Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Cracow University of Technology, Poland; ZACE Services Ltd, Switzerland