Section 6: Fast Design - Model Wizard and Voice Commands

Rana Jdidi
Feb 13, 2024
7 min read

Updated: May 20

SECTION 6: FAST DESIGN: MODEL WIZARD – VOICE COMMANDS

DeepEX implements tools that can create any model with all the construction stages in minutes, even seconds. This way, we can create and check very fast several alternatives. This section presents the use of the DeepEX Model Wizard, and the voice commands that can be used to create and optimize fast any project.

6.1 Use of the DeepEX Model Wizard

DeepEX wizard includes a series of tabs, where we can define quickly all project parameters. In the wizard, we can select the analysis method and the project type, define the structural sections of wall and supports, edit the soil properties of all soil layers and define the project stratigraphy.

With the wizard we can define the elevation of each support level on the wall. The wizard creates automatically all construction stages, using the selected support types. We can later access all structural members and change all positions and structural sections as desired.

Additionally, we can select to apply external loads and define the load type and magnitude. Additional loads can be added to the model graphically after the model is generated, using the Draw Loads tools In the general tab of DeepEX(see section 3.25) .

Finally, we can select the used design standards for the structural and geotechnical design of all items.

6.2 Opening the Wizard and Selecting a Unit System

The Wizard can be accessed from the General tab of DeepEX. Initially, we have to define the unit system that should be used in the generation of the specific model.

Figure 6.2.1: Open model wizard and select unit system

6.3 Defining the Analysis Method and the Water and Earth Pressure Methods

In the tab Welcome of the DeepEX model wizard we can initially select the analysis method (Limit Equilibrium – Non-Linear Analysis – Combination method (LEM+NL)).

If the LEM or the LEM+NL analysis methods are selected, we can additionally define the beam analysis method (see section 4.9) and the classical earth pressures method (see section 4.7).

In LEM is selected, we can select the option to optimize the wall embedment for a required safety factor.

Finally, in all cases, we can select the method for the calculation of the water pressures (hydrostatic, simplified flow, full 2D flownet).

Figure 6.3.1: Select analysis method in DeepEX model wizard

6.4 Selecting a Project Type and Defining Model Dimensions and Support Sections

In the tab Dimensions of the DeepEX model wizard we can initially select the project type. Then, based on the selected project type we can define the project dimensions (wall depths, wall spacing, final excavation elevation, water table etc.) and the support spacing and structural section.

Figure 6.4.1: Select project type and model dimensions in DeepEX model wizard

Figure 6.4.2: Define support sections in DeepEX model wizard

6.5 Defining Soil Properties and Stratigraphy

In the tab Soil layers of the DeepEX model wizard we can edit the list of soils that should be used in the project (see section 3.2), as well as define the model boreholes (see section 3.4).

Figure 6.5.1: Edit soil properties in DeepEX model wizard

Define stratigraphy in DeepEX model wizard

Figure 6.5.2: Define stratigraphy (boreholes) in DeepEX model wizard

6.6 Defining Wall Section Properties

In the tab Wall type of the DeepEX model wizard we can define the wall structural section. We can select from the list of available wall sections and, if needed, we can press the button “Edit section data”, and in the dialog that appears we can add and modify new sections, populating the project file’s wall sections database (see section 3.7).

Figure 6.6.1: Edit soil properties in DeepEX model wizard

6.7 Defining Staging – Support Levels

In the tab Stages of the DeepEX model wizard, the “Tabulated Elevations” option is selected by default. we can define the depth from the surface of each support row and how much the software should excavate below this elevation in the stage prior than the support installation. DeepEX will generate all construction staging, including the excavation stages prior the support installation.

NOTE: we have to define the depths from the surface of each support level (positive values), not elevations.

Figure 6.7.1: Define support levels in DeepEX model wizard – tabulated elevations

Alternitelely, we can select the option “Automatic Elevations”. In that case, we can either choose the number of supports below cantilever excavation, or define a standard vertical spacing between the supports. The depth of the first support from the ground surface and how much the software should excavate below each support installation level should also be defined.

Figure 6.7.2: Define support levels in DeepEX model wizard – automatic elevations

6.8 Defining External Loads and Surcharge Modeling Method

In the tab Surcharges of the DeepEX model wizard, we can select to add an external load on the model. The load type (two step wall surcharge, triangular surcharge on wall, soil strip surcharge) should be selected and the load position and magnitude should be defined. There is also an option to omit the load. We can always add loads graphically on the model area in any construction stage after the model is generated.

Finally, we can select any of the available surcharge modeling methods (see section 3.28).

Figure 6.8.1: Define external load and surcharge modeling method

6.9 Defining Structural and Geotechnical Design Codes

In the tab Codes of the DeepEX model wizard we can select the structural and geotechnical codes, desired to be applied on the specific model.

Figure 6.9.1: Define structural and geotechnical design codes

6.10 Reviewing the Generated Model

After defining all model parameters, DeepEX generates the model with all the stages. We can view the generated model on the model area, review the staging, run the analysis and optimize the structural sections and support locations.

Figure 6.10.1: Model with all construction stages generated by the model wizard

6.11 Voice Commands in DeepEX

Since the version DeepEX 2018, we have implemented a series of voice commands that can be used any time, either to create the full model automatically, or to handle the different project options and procedures (performing excavations and backfill operations, install supports, edit soil and support properties and more).

In order to use the Voice commands in DeepEX, the PC has to have a microphone (headset or built-in microphone) and the Windows version should be Windows 8 or more recent. DeepEX uses the Microsoft Windows recognition system with the English (US) language package.

Before using a voice command, we have to make sure that the microphone button at the middle-left side of the main software screen (right below the design sections area) is selected. Initially, we have to give the command “Hey DeepEX”, in order to activate the feature. For the next few seconds, the software will use the voice recognition system, it will listen and execute the various voice commands. The background noise during these few seconds might be an issue, causing the software to be confused or capture commands, so a use of a headset and the use of this feature in a relatively quiet environment is recommended. After a few seconds the system will lock, so we might need to give again the order “Hey DeepEX”.

By giving the order “What can I say”, DeepEX will present a window with examples of voice commands that can be used.

Figure 6.11.1: Review available voice commands in DeepEX

Here follows a list of several commands that could be given to DeepEX in order to edit a model. Lengths, depths, positions etc. in the following orders can be changed by the user.

Excavate right 10 feet

Excavate left 10 feet

Excavate center 10 feet

Excavate left to elevation minus 12 feet

excavate (excavates 10 feet or 3.5m)

Backfill right 10 feet

Backfill left 10 feet

Backfill center 10 feet

Backfill left to elevation minus 12 feet

In the install commands you can change tieback with, strut, raker, fixed, fixed support:

Install tieback at 10 feet depth

Install tieback at Elevation minus 10 feet

Install tieback (adds a tieback 2 feet or 0.5m above excavation)

Install tieback at 10 feet depth at left wall

Install tieback at 10 feet depth at right wall

add second wall (adds wall on right)

add right wall

Set left slope 20 degrees down

Set left slope 20 degrees up

Set right slope 20 degrees down

Set center slope 20 degrees up

Set water at left at minus 10 (feet) (elevation)

Set water right at minus 10 feet (elevation)

Set water center at minus 10 feet (elevation)

Set water right depth 10 (feet)

Set water right at Elevation minus 10 (feet)

Edit left second tieback

Edit second tieback

Edit wall, edit left wall, edit right wall, edit second wall

Edit second strut

Edit first tieback on left wall

Edit first fixed on left wall

Edit soils, edit soil types, edit soil

Edit layer, edit layers, edit borehole, edit borings

add wall surcharge

add wall surcharge on left wall (add a surcharge load directly on the left wall)

add wall surcharge on right wall (add a surcharge load directly on the right wall)

add surcharge

NOTE: The level of pc understanding is related to the hardware quality, background noise and whether and how well the windows voice recognition system is trained to user’s voice and accent.

6.12 Create Models using Voice Commands

Here we will present how to generate automatically a model in the model area with the use of voice commands. We can actually ask the software to create an excavation with a specified final depth and a specific number of supports. DeepEX will generate the model with all intermediate construction stages, installing the first support 8 ft below the surface, and placing the rest of the supports on equal spacing. We can access them all items and define exact positions and structural sections.

EXAMPLE 1

Say “Hey DeepEX” and then “Create a 50 ft excavation with 4 levels of struts”.