From/To End Mesh - CAESAR II - Help

CAESAR II Users Guide (2019 Service Pack 1)

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English
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CAESAR II
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CAESAR II Version
11.0 (2019)

Indicates a fine mesh is needed at the From or To element end.

Long, single elements that you enter need to be broken down into smaller elements to properly distribute the soil forces. The software performs this breakdown automatically. If the end of an element undergoes lateral displacement, it must have a finer mesh than an element end that only undergoes axial displacements.

Axial displacement ends are at the end of a virtual anchor length.

Element ends undergo lateral displacements wherever there is a bend at the end of the element. In this case, the software automatically places a fine mesh along the element entering the bend and along the element leaving the bend. At all other locations, you must tell the software where the fine meshes must go. These locations include:

  • 1 - Element ends that frame into intersections.

  • 2 - Element ends that enter or exit from the soil.

  • 3 - Element ends where there is any change in direction not defined by a bend.

Follow the rule that too many mesh elements will never hurt the solution, whereas too few may produce incorrect results. Thus, always check the appropriate box if you are uncertain.

Consider the following example:

CAESAR II places a fine mesh at the node 5 end of the element because the pipe enters the soil at 5, where there are probably some displacements. The software automatically places fine meshes at element ends where there are bends, so checking the FROM END MESH/TO END MESH boxes is not needed on the 10-15 element. A fine mesh is also placed at each element end that frames into the intersection at 20. Finally, a fine mesh is placed at the terminal points 35 and 30.