The PLAXIS 2D program is a special purpose two-dimensional finite element program used to perform deformation and stability analysis for various types of geotechnical applications. Real situations may be modelled either by a plane strain or an axisymmetric model. The program uses a convenient graphical user interface that enables users to quickly generate a geometry model and finite element mesh based on a representative vertical cross section of the situation at hand. Users need to be familiar with the Windows environment. To obtain a quick working knowledge of the main features of the PLAXIS program, users should work through the example problems contained in the Tutorial Manual
