This example compares the effective lengths and critical load factor, which can be calculated in RFEM 6 using the Structure Stability add-on, with a manual calculation. The structural system is a rigid frame with two additional hinged columns. This column is loaded by vertical concentrated loads.
The settlements of a rigid square foundation on a lacustrine clay [1] are calculated with RFEM. One quarter of the foundation is modelled. The foundation has a width of 75.0 m in both sides. Construction stages are used to generate the results.
A cylinder made of elasto-plastic soil is subjected to triaxial test conditions. Neglecting the self-weight, the goal is to determine the limit vertical stress for shear stress failure. An initial hydrostatic stress of 100 kPa is considered.