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OPTUM G3: 3D Finite Element Geotechnical Design Software

10 July 2022 — 2 min read

Built around OPTUM G3

OPTUM G3 is a finite element program that allows geotechnical engineers to design any type of complex problem in the geotechnical industry with a three-dimensional approach.

This software is a true paradigm shift in the use of FE calculations for practical engineering design in 3D.

It is an ideal solution for the analysis and design of shallow foundations. The unique OPTUM analysis type of Limit Analysis provides a means for determining bearing capacities in an efficient and convenient manner.

Rigorous upper and lower bounds can be computed to bracket the true solution from above and below, thus providing an in-built means of numerical verification. Elastoplastic analysis is available for determining settlements.

OPTUM G3 slope stability schematic with a meshed soil body, the critical slip surface marked and a factor of safety readout
OPTUM G3 solves the strength and deformation of the soil itself — here finding the critical slip surface and factor of safety of a slope directly, with no assumed failure circle.

Introduction

  • Limit Analysis — compute rigorous upper and lower bounds.
  • Elastoplastic Analysis — available for determining settlements.
  • Mesh Refinement — automatic adaptation for higher accuracy.
  • Soil Models — includes Mohr-Coulomb and Tresca.
  • Compatibility — import and export geometry in DXF format.

Features of OPTUM G3

The program offers various features that allow you to effectively design and solve complex geotechnical problems quickly.

  • Efficient and robust algorithms — state-of-the-art algorithms ensure efficiency and robustness.
  • Adaptive mesh refinement — available for all analyses, maximising accuracy while minimising computational time.
  • Solid modelling — no prior 3D modelling experience or prerequisites are required. The program offers user-friendly solid modelling capabilities.
  • Material parameter distributions — convenient import of user-generated material parameter distributions.
  • CAD import and export — functionality for importing and exporting geometry in DXF format.
  • Command-line version — bypass the graphical user interface and call the computational core via the command prompt.

OPTUM G3 can solve 3D slope stability problems using its unique Limit Analysis, and its automatic adaptive mesh refinement ensures maximum accuracy at minimum computational cost. The soil and rock models include Mohr-Coulomb, Tresca (standard and generalised), and Anisotropic Undrained Shear (AUS).

Diagram comparing a shallow spread footing bearing on surface soil with piles carrying load through weak soil to a firm stratum
OPTUM is particularly strong on shallow foundations — its Limit Analysis brackets bearing capacity with rigorous upper and lower bounds, an in-built numerical check.

For geotechnical engineers who need a dependable 3D tool for foundation, slope and bearing-capacity analysis, that combination — rigorous Limit Analysis plus adaptive mesh refinement — is the whole point.

The tool for this

OPTUM G3

3D geotechnical finite-element analysis.

Compute bearing capacity by Limit Analysis and settlements by elastoplastic analysis, with automatic adaptive meshing.

FAQs

What is OPTUM G3?

OPTUM G3 is a finite element program that allows geotechnical engineers to design complex problems using a three-dimensional approach.

What type of analysis does OPTUM G3 use?

It uses Limit Analysis to determine bearing capacities efficiently, as well as elastoplastic analysis for determining settlements.

Is prior 3D modelling experience required?

No, the software offers user-friendly solid modelling capabilities that do not require prior experience.

Does the software support adaptive mesh refinement?

Yes, it features automatic adaptive mesh refinement to maximise accuracy while minimising computational cost.

What soil and rock models are included?

The software includes Mohr-Coulomb, Tresca (standard and generalised), and Anisotropic Undrained Shear (AUS) models.

Can I import geometry from other sources?

Yes, OPTUM G3 includes functionality for importing and exporting geometry in DXF format.

Software for this work

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