Rapid changes in the microcomputer industry have led to developments in hardware and software that make the use of the microcomputer in civil engineering applications more feasible, practical, and almost indispensable.

This project has involved the development of several geotechnical programs under contract with geotechnical microcomputer programming firms. Several of these programs have been made available to the States by the OTA. The microcomputer is being used to solve many geotechnical problems that require repetitive, complex calculations, such as (1) analyzing embankment and foundation deformations, (2) estimating pile behavior under static and dynamic forces, and (3) calculating foundation settlements. Microcomputer programs developed or under development include:

• COM624P: Analyzes the behavior of piles or drilled shafts subjected to lateral loads using the py method.

• EMBANK: Determines one-dimensional compression settlement caused by embankment loads.

• SPILE: Calculates ultimate static pile capacity in cohesive and cohesionless soils.

• RSS: Analyzes stability of slopes that contain soil reinforcement. The analysis is performed using a two-dimensional limiting equilibrium method.

• MSEW: Designs and/or analyzes required reinforcement for mechanically stabilized retaining walls (does not consider specific facing configurations).

• DRIVEN: This program is the updated version of the SPILE Program.

• DEEP: This program, previously called "Pile Foundation" is being developed based on the University of Florida's LPGSTAN program. This program is capable of analyzing bridge foundations subject to extreme events (hurricanes, ship and ice imports). The program will extend LPGSTAN's capabilities to include the analysis and design of sound walls, retaining walls, signs, and highmast lighting structures.

The SPILE program has been upgraded and the new program is called "Driven." This program has been beta-tested and has been distributed to the states. Contracts are in place to develop a new version of the MSEW program and the multifaceted program called DEEP (previously called Pile Foundations).

Copies of COM624P, EMBANK, SPILE and RSS are available from McTrans. The e-mail address is mctrans@ce.ufl.edu and the home pages are at http://www-mctrans.ce.ufl.edu and http://www-mclink.ce.ufl.edu. McTrans' telephone is (904) 392-3225.

The other programs will be made available to the public on the following schedule:

• DRIVEN, Summer 1998

• MSEW, Summer 1998

• DEEP, Summer 1998

---

HIGHWAYTECHNET   VIRTUAL EXPO   STRUCTURES INDEX

---

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration