Structural Interface Overview

The Structural Interface option in RS2 allows you to model support which has a sliding interface (joint) on BOTH sides of the support element. This can be used to model:

• piles
• geosynthetics (e.g. geogrids, geotextiles, etc)
• other support types with a sliding interface on both sides

Schematically, a Structural Interface consists of the following components (i.e. a support element sandwiched in-between two joint elements).

Schematic representation of Structural Interface components

To model support such as piles or geotextiles using the Structural Interface option in RS2, the following general steps are required.

1. Add Structural Interface

Use the Add Structural Interface option to define the physical location of the support. A Structural Interface boundary is added to a model and can be edited just like other boundary types in RS2.

2. Define component properties

Define the properties of the individual components of the structural interface. Support properties are defined with the Define Liner option. Joint properties are defined with the Define Joint option.

3. Define Structural Interface Properties

Use the Define Structural Interface option to select the individual component properties which make up the structural interface. You can select a support (liner) type, and a Joint type for each side of the support.

4. Assign Properties

Assign the Structural Interface properties to the Structural Interface boundary.