A. For all the layers, the reduction of c, phi & dilatancy angle occurs simultaneously. Please refer to following picture for the flow the calculation for SRM method. Kindly go through the analysis manual for more information.

ANALYSIS REFERENCE - GeoTechnical analysis System with New eXperience
Here, τ is the shear strength of the slope material, and can be expressed using the Mohr–Coulomb criteria as follows:
τ = c + σₙ tan φ  (5.9.2)

Also, τ_f is the shear stress of the active plane and can be calculated as follows:
τ_f = c_f + σₙ tan φ_f (5.9.3)
c_f = c / SRF : Shear strength factor (Cohesion)
φ_f = tan⁻¹( tan φ / SRF ) : Shear strength factor (Friction angle)
SRF : Strength reduction factor

For the strength reduction method, the SRF value just before the non-convergence is evaluated as the safety factor. Hence, the safety factor can be slightly different depending on the user input number of convergence and convergence criteria.

A. Yes, That is correct.

A. You can either model them as a soil/rock layer with appropriate unit weight using a solid/plane strain elements or to simplify, we can input that as a load/pressure.

A. Yes. The LEM module in GTS NX can display per-slice FBDs and report slice-level quantities (e.g., slice weight, base/side normal and shear forces, interslice forces, and pore pressure). Results can be reviewed on screen and exported for documentation.

A. In GTS NX, the Strength Reduction Method (SRM) scales shear-strength parameters simultaneously—typically reducing c′ and tan φ′ by a trial factor F until a global failure criterion is met.The reported FoS is not constrained to ≥ 1.0; if the model is already unstable at unreduced strength, the solution may converge to FoS < 1.0. The initial trial factor defaults to 1.0 but can be adjusted in the SRM analysis controls. (Follow your project specifications for the exact reduction scheme.)

A. • Soil nails / rock bolts: use truss/cable-type elements; include interface or bond-slip properties where applicable.
• Shotcrete lining: use beam/plate (2D) or shell (3D) elements; couple to the ground with appropriate contact/interface.
• Geogrids/geonets: use the dedicated Geogrid element with tensile stiffness and pull-out parameters.
• Micropiles / retaining walls: in 2D, beam elements are common; in 3D, use beam or solid depending on slenderness and detailing.
Always verify stiffness, connection, and construction-stage activation with your design code.

A. Yes, for preliminary work. GTS NX provides correlations/estimation tools that can derive unsaturated properties from particle-size distribution data. Such estimates are industry-accepted for screening studies, but laboratory-derived SWCC/unsaturated parameters are preferred for design. Calibrate with site data whenever possible.

A. Choose the structural element type by slenderness/geometry:
• Beam for slender members; shell for thin walls; solid for non-slender blocks.For hydraulic behavior, beams do not convey flow. If you must model seepage through the porous medium (e.g., drain layers), represent it with shell/solid elements assigned permeability and appropriate boundary conditions. If only mechanical effects are needed, a structural element without flow may suffice.

A.Use anisotropic permeability when field/lab evidence indicates directional flow behavior—e.g., bedded/laminated soils, foliated rock, jointed masses, layering parallel to slope, or consolidation/drainage problems where kv ≠ kh governs dissipation. If data are unavailable, start with isotropic values, then run sensitivity checks and adopt anisotropy when justified by tests or site characterization.

A. Yes! The Global Geotechnical Webinar Series 2025 is completely free of charge. Once registered, you’ll get access to all live and on-demand sessions, expert talks, hands-on tasks, and learning materials — at no cost.

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A.