Geotechnical Engineering Modelling Software (GEMS) software

Beam foundation is adopted in the case of combined footing supporting two or more columns. The combined footing is modelled structurally as a beam foundation resting on the soil. The sub soil may be modelled in several ways. Two common models for the subsoil are:

Piles are used to provide foundation support to wide ranging structures such as buildings, bridges, wharves, jetties and towers. The GEMS Comprehensive Pile Foundation Analysis software supports analysis of land, bridges and water front piles.

Piles are often used in groups to carry greater loads to deeper, stronger soil strata. For the same average load per pile, groups settle more than single piles due to overlapping of deformations in the soil medium. The `GEMS – Pile Group Settlement Analysis` software uses modern analytical techniques based on the subsurface soil profile, pile dimensions and group geometry to estimate the pile group settlement. The software can also be used to choose pile length, cross-section, and pile spacing towards optimizing the group design.

Commonly adopted offshore platforms are of jacket type and are mostly supported by pile foundations. The pile foundation designed for these structures should safely transmit the loads through the sub soil strata beneath the sea bed. The design of the foundation should meet the serviceability and safety requirements under operational and severe storm conditions.