The Nieuwe Sluis Terneuzen project includes the design and delivery of a new lock within the Terneuzen lock complex for the expansion along Antwerp Harbor to Gent. The excavation pits for the lock gates were very large and required complicated phasing and design of the cofferdam. To perform calculations for more than 100 phases, determining the moments, force effects, and deformation of the cofferdam, the project team needed flexible and robust geotechnical analysis software.

They selected PLAXIS to model, analyze, and perform calculations for the numerous phases of the cofferdam. Using the automated features in Bentley’s application, they were able to adjust the calculations and change the design much faster to meet the project milestones. The software provided flexible use of the data to check the strength of the piles and walls, resulting in a better design.