SIGMA/W is a finite element software product that can be used to
perform stress and deformation analyses of earth structures. Its
comprehensive formulation makes it possible to analyze both simple
and highly complex problems. For example, you can perform a simple
linear elastic deformation analysis or a highly sophisticated,
nonlinear elastic-plastic effective stress analysis.
The many constitutive soil models allow you to represent a wide range
of soils or structural materials. In addition, when coupled with
SEEP/W,
SIGMA/W can model the pore-water pressure generation and dissipation
in a soil structure in response to external loads.
These features enable SIGMA/W to analyze almost any stress or deformation
problem you will encounter in geotechnical, civil, and mining
engineering projects.
Easy to Use
Defining a Stress-Deformation Model
The unique CAD-like technology in SIGMA/W allows you to generate
your finite element mesh by drawing regions on the screen. You can
then specify material properties and interactively apply boundary
conditions, structural elements, trusses, and fill or excavation
layers. If you make a mistake, you can correct it using the Undo
command.
Viewing the Analysis Results
Once you have solved your problem, SIGMA/W offers many tools for
viewing results. View a deformed mesh or displacement vectors at
any magnification. Generate contours or x-y plots of more than 30
computed parameters, including deformation, total and effective stress,
strain and pore-water pressure. Display shaded yield zones. View the
stress state at any node or element Gauss point as a Mohr Circle with
the associated space-force diagrams. Plot shear or moment distribution
along structural elements. Then export the results into other
applications, such as Microsoft Excel or Word, for further analysis or
to prepare presentations.
Typical Applications
SIGMA/W can model almost any stress or deformation problem, including:
- Settlement of footings, fluid-filled tanks, or earth structures
- Deformation within or underneath an embankment or earth dam
- Closure around a tunnel
- Lateral movement of braced or anchored excavations and surface settlement around the excavation
- Floor rebound of open-pit, sloping excavations
- Volume changes (uncoupled consolidation or heave) resulting from pore-water pressure changes
- Staged fill placement, earth removal
- Soil-structure interaction, including free un-bonded anchors, cross excavation struts, and trusses
- Fully-coupled consolidation analysis
- Simulation of tailings deposition
- Permanent deformations resulting from strength loss
- plus many more!