Plita Software

Karst phenomena can be represented as sinkholes simply by drawing them. The modulus of subgrade reaction is calculated automatically using five methods; the user only selects one. Many other small features improve usability and become apparent during actual work.

Plita uses the finite element method, but users see it only as a mesh on the slab: the subdivision into elements is automatic.

Users define slab geometry, loads and supports, and place piles using the cursor and mouse clicks, much as they would on paper or in AutoCAD.

Entering input data is simple and requires no special computer skills or even experience in structural calculations. Nevertheless, the analysis must be performed by an experienced engineer.

Plita is a convenient tool, while the analytical scheme remains a mathematical model that can be modified to obtain the required results. After analysis, the software displays color fields of slab displacements, stresses and reinforcement with value palettes.

Longitudinal and transverse reinforcement fields are drawn, and punching shear under point loads and supports (columns or piles) is checked. Settlement and tilt are calculated according to SNiP or SP, at the user's choice. A single run provides the full range of results needed for slab design.

Plita analyzes flat reinforced concrete slabs of any plan geometry with ribs, thickenings and openings, under any loads, supported by inclined soil layers, piles of calculated stiffness, columns or supports of any configuration.

Karst phenomena can also be modeled as drawn sinkholes. The subgrade reaction coefficient is calculated automatically by one of five methods, with the user selecting the method. Numerous other practical refinements are available.

Software features

• analysis of slabs on layered elastic foundations;
• accounting for different geological conditions beneath parts of a slab;
• settlement and tilt calculations for slabs on elastic foundations under SNiP 2.02.01−83*;
• analysis of slabs on fixed, hinged, line and strip supports;
• analysis of slabs on elastic supports and pile foundations;
• settlement and tilt analysis of pile-supported slabs under SP 50−102−2003;
• colored plots of displacements, stresses and longitudinal reinforcement;
• plots of transverse and punching shear reinforcement per SNiP and SP;
• calculation of pile support stiffness;
• automatic uniform or optimized layout of the pile field;
• determination of the capacity of end-bearing and friction piles (driven, drilled or cast-in-place);
• automatic determination of loads on each pile or support accounting for slab stiffness;
• analysis of variable-thickness slabs with ribs and openings;
• consideration of karst conditions.

Slab foundation systems and flat slabs in multistory buildings have become widespread in recent years. Accurate analysis of these structures was once practically impossible; today, large general-purpose suites can analyze them, but complex model setup is not always convenient.

The Plita developers have aimed to minimize input operations and analytical model setup and automate the generation of results required by the engineer.