QUAKE/W is a geotechnical finite element software product for the
dynamic analysis of earth structures subjected to earthquake shaking,
or point dynamic forces from a blast or a sudden impact load. Using
QUAKE/W, you can determine the motion and excess pore-water pressures
that arise due to shaking. Its comprehensive formulation makes QUAKE/W
well suited to analyzing a wide range of problems.
Generalized material property functions allow you to use any laboratory
or published data. Three constitutive models are supported: a
Linear-Elastic model, an Equivalent Linear model, and an effective
stress Non-Linear model. QUAKE/W uses the Direct Integration Method
to compute the motion and excess pore-water pressures arising from
inertial forces at user-defined time steps.
QUAKE/W can be used to analyze almost any dynamic earthquake problem you
will encounter in your geotechnical, civil, and mining engineering
projects.
Easy to Use
Defining a Dynamic Earthquake Model
The unique CAD-like technology in QUAKE/W allows you to generate your
finite element mesh by drawing regions on the screen. You can then
specify material properties, import earthquake records, and apply
boundary conditions and structural elements. If you make a mistake,
you can correct it with the Undo command.
Viewing the Analysis Results
Once you have solved your problem, QUAKE/W offers many tools for
viewing results. Animate the motion by viewing at the displacements
for successive steps. Look at the complete displacement, velocity
and acceleration history record at key points. Perform a spectral
analysis at these points to study the ground motion frequency and
seismic characteristics. Generate contours or x-y plots of stress,
strain, pore-water pressure, and over 35 other parameters. Show the
shaded liquefaction zone. View any stress state as a Mohr Circle
with the associated space-force diagrams. Then export the results
into other applications, such as Microsoft Excel or Word, for further
analysis or to prepare presentations.
Typical Applications
QUAKE/W can model the dynamic behavior of almost any earth structure,
including:
- Earth embankment dams
- Natural soil and rock slopes
- Loose ground deposits
- Estimation of post-earthquake deformation
- Impact loads from dynamic blasting
- Any natural, near-horizontal ground sites with potential for excess pore-water pressure generation during earthquake shaking
- plus many more!