ANALYSIS AND DESIGN (FEM)

By means of numerical tools ranging from Visual Basic Macros/Excel Spreadsheets (for simple cases of analysis) to Finite Element Models/Software (FEM, for more complex cases of analysis), MYV is able to predict soil or rock behavior under structure loads in terms of stresses, strains and / or displacements. Afterwards, through a cost-benefit analysis, MYV optimizes the geotechnical and structural design of foundations, retaining walls and other structural elements interacting with the ground.
In regards to FEM Analysis, MYV has recently acquired the license of MIDAS GTS (GTS - Geotechnical and Tunelling Systems, developed by TNO Diana). The main advantage of GTS is that it constitutes one of the most advanced tools there is worldwide in analyzing soil – structure interaction. Besides, it allows introducing the effect of dynamic loads (vibration, earthquake, etc.) into the analysis. Likewise, the stiffness and mass of the superstructure can be taken into account as part of the whole system. GTS can model geotechnical problems in 2-dimensions, 3-dimensions, and axysimetric.
Besides having purchased the license of GTS, MYV has close contact with Dr. Ahmed Elkadi from TNO Diana (Delft, The Netherlands). As part of the license acquisition agreement, MYV is given technical support in the use of the software by Dr. Elkadi. Dr. Elkadi has been engaged in the analysis and design of huge engineering projects such as the Dubai Tower foundation, and the like.

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

Serviceability limit state design (settlements and displacements) and Ultimate limit state design (shear failure, bending failure, punching failure, etc.) of spread footings, strip footings, and mat foundations. Steel reinforcement design is also included.

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF DEEP FOUNDATIONS

Serviceability limit state design (settlements and displacements) and Ultimate limit state design (shear failure, bending failure, punching failure, etc.) of driven piles, drilled shafts, micropiles, and the like. Steel reinforcement design is also included, as well as geometric dimensioning (length of piles, diameter, etc.).

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF GROUND IMPROVEMENTS

MYV has experience in the analysis and design of ground improvement methods such like Stiff Inclussions, Ground Reinforcement by Geosynthetics, Stone Columns, Dynamic Compaction, Dynamic Replacement, Pre-loading, etc.

SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS

MYV has conventional computational tools to evaluate the Factor of Safety (FOS) of a given slope, being STED WIN the most important tool among this group. STED WIN allows implementing several methods of limit equilibrium analysis such as Bishop, Janbu, and Spencer. In the case of STEDWIN, the model of analysis is limited to 2-dimensions (2D).
On the other hand, MIDAS GTS (FEM Software) allows implementing more advanced methods of slope stability analysis like the c-phi reduction method that can be used in 2D and 3D models. With this method, both the Factor of Safety and the mode of failure (most likely slip plane) of a given slope can be easily determined.

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS

MYV has experience in the analysis and design of different types of retaining walls such like: reinforced earth walls, geotextile walls, reinforced fill slopes, gabion walls, concrete retaining walls, masonry retaining walls, pile walls, soil nail walls, tie-back walls, anchored walls, and the like.

LANDSLIDE REPAIR DESIGN

MYV has experience in the analysis and design of repair/corrective measures of any type of ladslide: mud flows, debris flows, road slumps, translational slides, rotational slides, roto-translational slides, rock falls, rock mass slides (planar, wedge, toppling, etc.), among others. Regarding stabilization measures, in the past MYV has designed the following: pile reinforcement, retaining walls, drainage trenches, shear keys, conventional drainage systems, counterweight fills, etc.

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF SPECIAL GEOTECHNICAL PROBLEMS

MYV is also able to analyze and solve special or uncommon geotechnical problems such like: scour at bridges, expansive soils, collapsible soils, potentially liquefiable soils, very soft soils, and existing loose fills.

CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS

If required, MYV can prepare construction drawings and specifications for any of its geotechnical designs. CAD technology is used by MYV to prepare the corresponding drawings and they can be submitted in both digital format as well as printed format (blueprints). Construction Specifications can be submitted in both digital format (pdf documents) as well as printed format (hard-bound copies).