GEOFEM is a consultancy specialising in geotechnical analysis and simulation. We use Plaxis 2D and 3D finite element analysis software, as well as other support software, to perform designs and assessments of geotechnical structures
Our engineers have a thorough grounding in geotechnical engineering, with extensive knowledge of real soil behaviour and experience of site investigations and geotechnical construction projects. This all helps to ensure that our numerical models simulate real ground conditions as realistically as possible.
We specify and supervise site investigations and interpret the results to obtain appropriate input parameters for soil models. We also authored the popular NAFEMS guidebook "Obtaining parameters for geotechnical analysis" and the ICE textbook "Geotechnical Finite Element Analysis".
GEOFEM staff are performing an important role in the evolution of Eurocode 7, particularly to improve its use with numerical methods, and we are experienced in the implementation of Eurocode 7’
Old War Office redevelopment
GEOFEM performed a 3D finite element analysis of the proposed basement construction to predict deflections in the Grade II* listed building and to support the structural engineers in the design of the sub-structures, piled foundations and permanent dewatering.
Barts Square Development
A 3D finite element analysis was performed of the raft foundations to two buildings in this large redevelopment to predict settlements (including critical party wall settlements) and to provide structural forces and coefficients of subgrade reaction to support structural design of the raft foundation.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
A 2D finite element analysis was performed to predict the future effects of construction of the Northern Line extension on the basement to the new Tealby Building and check that the design of the basement wall accommodated these effects.
Westgate Shopping Centre redevelopment
Finite element analyses were performed of the existing and new foundations and basements to predict ground movements in particular between existing and proposed parts of shopping centre, and to provide subgrade reaction coefficients to support structural design of the raft foundations. Groundwater flow analyses were also undertaken to support the design of the permanent basement dewatering.
The Tower
GEOFEM performed a large pile group settlement analysis using 3D finite element analysis to predict differential settlements between The Tower and adjacent lightweight buildings as well as those resulting from re-use of under-reamed bearing piles and loading of new straight-shafted piles during the redevelopment.
Marlborough School
A ground movement analysis was performed for the proposed New Marlborough School development in Chelsea, London to predict the deflection of an underlying relief sewer and to support structural design of the substructures.
Welland Bio Power
GEOFEM performed a 3D finite element analysis of the raft foundation to a new waste gasification plant to predict its settlement and distortion due to loading and adjacent earthworks, as well as to provide coefficients of subgrade reaction to support its structural design.
Hutton Hub
GEOFEM performed a 3D finite element analysis of a raft foundation on ground conditions consisting of intact chalk and highly variable solution feature infill. This was used to predict differential settlements in the sensitive glass-panelled structure and to support the structural design of the raft.
Forensic investigation, basement wall collapse
GEOFEM performed an on-site forensic investigation and finite element analysis to determine the cause of collapse of a 10m high King-pile basement retaining wall adjacent to an existing building in the centre of Nicosia.
River Plate House
GEOFEM performed an assessment of various foundation options for a new structure to be built on the site. The aim was to reuse as many as possible of the 130 existing under-reamed piles, but the new proposed structure had a significantly different load distribution compared with the existing structure, and some changes to the basement geometry were also proposed. This all required a complex model in Plaxis 3D to be set up, simulating construction of the existing basement, piles and loading as well as its demolition and subsequent construction of the various foundation options.
