C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel.

22/01/2003

REFERENCE MANUAL

1
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003

1. USER’S MANUAL (Please see User’s manual)

2. REFERENCE MANUAL

2.1 INTRODUCTION
The Macstars program, version 2000, has been developed to check the stability of reinforced soils,
that is structures which provide the slope stability using reinforcing units that are able to absorb the
tensile stress. Furthermore this program allows the user to conduct the stability checks using the
Limit Equilibrium Method even considering unreinforced slopes.
The type of check to carry out in relation to the soil potential failure mechanisms, the behaviour of
the reinforcing units, the type of loads to be considered, are fundamental aspects which will be
shortly and separately illustrated herein after.
Before illustrating the Macstars2000 calculation method, hereunder we provide some fundamental
definitions used in this program.

2.2 BASIC DEFINITIONS (see fig.1)

Blocks
Covering
profile

Blocks Natural
Covering profile
profile

STRUCTURE

STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE

Figure 1

Original slope: original soil profile, before the installation of the designed reinforcing units.
Retaining structure: sequence of reinforcing structures called blocks; a slope may consist of one
or more reinforcing structures; the reinforced structure may be superficially
covered with filling soil.
Covering filling: the profile of the soil laid over the retaining structure to join one reinforced block to
the one right above or to join the retaining structure and the natural slope
Block: single reinforcing structure consisting of the structural embankment, the reinforcing units,
and the backfill. The block facing may also obtained by special units, Terramesh System,
that have gabions on the front face
Structural embankment: the soil used for the reinforcing block, distributed in layers between
the reinforcing units, mechanically compacted to improve its
mechanical and resistance characteristics.
Backfill: soil layer used to fill the space between the reinforcing block and the original slope
Reinforcement unit: reinforcing element resistant against tensile stress due to the friction which
develops with the soil, installed in horizontal layers; it can be either the main
reinforcing element and in this case it is provided with a fold along the
downstream face or the secondary element which is installed between the
folding face of the upper and lower main element; the secondary unit is
always longer than the main one.
Facing (Wall Batter): the block’s free face facing downhill
Gabions: structure filled with stones, which forms the front face used for drainage and erosion
control purposes or to give to the front face a higher stiffness in case of a vertical
retaining walls

2
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
Wrapped length: part of reinforcement unit extending from the upper front face into the backfill
for a length of 50-100 cm
Anchorage length: the reinforcements length behind the failure surface
Pullout: the reinforcing unit maximum pullout resistance along the anchored segment or within the
unstable soil portion

2.3 TYPES OF STABILITY ANALYSIS (CHECKS)

Macstars2000 allows the user to conduct the following calculation:
Global stability Analysis
Internal stability Analysis
Wall Stability Checks
Sliding stability Analysis
Settlements calculation

2.3.1 Overall stability check

The overall stability check, global stability or basic stability, is the stability analysis of a reinforced
or un-reinforced slope carried out by using the limit equilibrium method. It can be conducted to
check the stability of a non-reinforced slope, prior to considering the reinforcements. For design
purposes this stability analysis is required to evaluate the retaining work stability against potential
deep-seated sliding mechanisms as well as sliding mechanism external to the reinforcing units
(figure 2).
GLOBAL STABILITY
Stability analysis with slip surfaces predominantly
external to the reinforced structure

Figure 2

2.3.2 Internal stability check

The internal stability check (or slope stability) allows the user to determine the design of the
retaining structure, that is the reinforcing units required (type, spacing between reinforcing unit,
length, etc…). According to this type of stability analysis the surfaces of potential sliding originate
from the toe of the reinforcing structure and, passing through the reinforcement, terminates uphill
(figure 3).
INTERNAL STABILITY
Stability analysis with slip surfaces predominantly
inside the reinforced block

Figure 3

2.3.3. Stability check of the structure as a retaining wall

3
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
In conducting this type of stability analysis the entire retaining structure, or part of it, is considered
as a monolithic wall consisting of blocks, which form the retaining structure, itself. During the
stability analysis the wall may be considered as being formed by all structural blocks (considered
as structural embankments) forming the retaining structure or by all blocks above the specified
block.
In order to consider the sequence of selected blocks as a monolithic wall, a geometrical condition
of mean slope (inclination) of the reinforcing block must be satisfied (figure 4): it must be higher
than or equal to 70°. The program determines the mean slope considering the straight line
connecting the right lower corner of the first block (figure 4, point A) with the upper right corner of
the last block of the structure to check (figure 4, point B)
CHECK AS RETAINING WALL

β
β > 70° β > 70°
β

A
A

Figure 4

The stability check of the structure as a retaining wall consists of the three classical stability
analysis conducted on retaining walls (figure 5): check against overturning (A), check against
sliding (B), check against the foundation bearing capacity (C). For this last stability check, the
value of the ultimate soil pressure at the base of the wall can be provided by the user or can be
automatically calculated by the program as described in detail herein after.
INTERNAL SLIDING CHECK

5A: Overturning check 5B: Sliding check 5C: Bearing capacity

Figure 5 Figure 6

2.3.4 Check against sliding

This type of stability analysis is conducted to check the stability (of the entire retaining work or part
of it) against sliding along an horizontal plane selected by the user (figure 6), using parameters
(cohesion, friction angle on the sliding surface) selected by the user depending on the type of
contact at the base.

2.3.5 Check against soil settlements

Macstars2000 allows the user to calculate the settlements induced by the installation of a
reinforced soil structure. The construction soils (structural embankment, backfill, upper soil
covering) are considered as loads, which induce a change in the stress distribution.
Therefore, different models of elasticity (depending on the type of soil) are used to calculate the
soil failure induced by the applied loads (see par. 2.10).

2.3.6 Stability Analysis checks for a given surface.

4
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
This analysis is conducted by the user, who inputs the coordinates of the potential failure surface.

2.4 BEHAVIOUR OF THE REINFORCING UNITS

The reinforcing units are structural elements, which behave as follows:
1) The reinforcing units are resistant against tensile stress
2) The tensile stress within the reinforcing units can develop due to the adherence between the
reinforcing unit and other materials (soil or other reinforcing units) located immediately above
and below it.
3) The reinforcing units provide a stabilising force in the area where they intercept a sliding
surface, that is the area of the slope in which develops the shear stress, which induces a
deformation or extension of the reinforcing unit.
4) As the deformation increases, the strength provided by the reinforcing unit increases as well
until it reaches a maximum value which, in relation to the geometry of the considered problem,
can be: the reinforcement unit tensile resistence, the pull-out resistence along the anchorage
area or the pull-out resistence within the unstable soil portion.
In order to consider both common simplified methods and more complex realistic reinforcement
behaviour, two analytical models are provided by the software:
rigid model
deformative model (Displacement Method)

2.4.1 Rigid model

The rigid model procedure assumes that any reinforcement crossing the analised potential sliding
surface provides a resisting tensile force (reduced by partial safety coefficients), independently
from the stiffness values of the reinforcing elements. For each reinforcement the following
conditions must be checked:
- a minimum anchorage length (normally this length is 15-20 cm)
- the pull-out resistence in the anchored zone
- the pull-out resistence in the unstable soil zone
In the first case, an anchorage length smaller than the minimum established reduces the
reinforcing unit tensile strength.
In the second and third case, the tensile stress in the reinforcement is limited to the lower of the
two pullout values.
The calculation of the pull-out force is conducted according to the following procedure, which is
based on the consideration that at all points of the reinforcement the ultimate condition (τu) is
reached

External pull-out (anchorage area)

The anchorage area is divided into segments and for each segment the ultimate tangential stress
(τu) must be calculated according to the following equation:
τu = f . σv
Where: f = the total friction coefficient of the reinforcing element on the upper and lower materials
in the segment considered, which can be reinforcement over reinforcement (frr) or
reinforcement over soil (ftr)
σv = vertical stress acting on the segment considered, obtained by the following equation:
σv = (W + Pv – U ) / dx

W = total weight of the upper soil column

Pv = vertical component of the uniformly distributed surcharge load acting uphill
U= pore water pressure
dx = width of the segment considered
The integral of the ultimate tangential stress provides the ultimate pullout resistence of the
reinforcement. A safety coefficient defined by the user can be added to this value.

Internal pull-out
In case of secondary reinforcing elements the calculation procedure of the ultimate pullout force is
the same as the procedure used to calculate the external pullout.

5
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
The length of the reinforcing element within the unstable soil block is divided into segments and for
each segment the value of the ultimate tangential stress (τu) is calculated by using the following
equation:
τu = f . σv

Where the meaning of the symbols used is the same as in the case previously illustrated. The
integration of the ultimate tangential stress provides the value of the ultimate internal pullout stress.
In case of main reinforcing elements the resistance contribution due to the wrapped length of the
reinforcing unit must be added. This contribution (F0) can be calculated by the sum of two
contributions:
F0 = F1 + ∆F

Where F1 is the contribution which generates the pullout stress on the tail (horizontal) whereas ∆F
is the additional contribution which takes into consideration the stress acting on the sub-vertical
portion, adjacent to the wall batter.
F1 is calculated by using a procedure similar to the one used for the external pullout (integration of
the ultimate tangential stress), whereas ∆F is calculated assuming that the analysed area has a
semi-circular configuration according to the following equation:
∆F = F1 . π . ftr

A safety coefficient, defined by the user, can be added to the value of the total ultimate pullout
resistence.

2.4.2. Deformative model (Displacement Method)

According to this model the resistance produced by a reinforcing unit crossing the potential sliding
surface is calculated by taking into consideration:
the stress-strain behaviour of the reinforcing element assumed as an isolated unit
the stress-strain behaviour of the contact area between the reinforcing element and the upper
and lower materials

Given a displacement δ (horizontal component of the slope overall displacement), the calculation of
the stress acting on the reinforcing unit is based upon the following assumptions:
1) SOIL-REINFORCEMENT INTERACTION
The relation between shear stress (τ ) and displacement (δ) is hyperbolic, as for the behaviour
of piles with lateral friction, and it is therefore defined by the equation (figure 7)
δ
τ = τu . ---------------
δe + δ

Where: τ = shear stress mobilised for a displacement δ (kPa)

τu= fσv = ultimate shear stress (kPa)
δe=k σv = elastic displacement, obtained with the initial tangent (m)
k= elastic sliding parameter obtained from direct shear tests as δe/σv (m3/kN)
σv =vertical pressure during tests (kPa)
f= friction coefficient soil-reinforcement: Macstars2000 considers two
surfaces (up and down)

6
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
τ

τµ

δ δ

Figure 7

2) STRESS-STRAIN BEHAVIOUR OF THE REINFORCEMENT

The stress-strain behaviour of the reinforcing element is given by the classical equation of
elasticity:
N. L
dL = ----------
E.A

Where: N= average axial stress on the reinforcement (kN)

L= length of the reinforcement stretch (m)
E= modulus of elasticity (kN/m2)
A= reinforcement section per linear meter (m2/m)
dL= elongation of the stretch of the reinforcement (m)

As per the stress-strain characteristics of each reinforcement, reference is made to the parameters
obtained from pullout tests, where the reinforcement’s deformation δ occuring at different levels of
the pullout force T are measured for various soil types and σv.

Tr = conventional unit breakage force (kN/m)

J=EA= linear stiffness of the reinforcement (kN/m), which is constant in the elastic stretch, thus
δ=T/J
PL= δr / δe= plastic sliding parameter, given by δr / δe (adim.)
δr = displacement at breakage (mm)
δe = elastic displacement (mm)

The parameter of the model which are obtained from direct shear and pullout tests and
used by Macstars 2000 are K, f, Tr, PL and J.
The procedure, which leads to the calculation of the stress acting on the reinforcing unit, is iterative
according to the following steps:
1) The external length of the reinforcement is divided in sections
7
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
2) A value of Ni at the edge of the reinforcing unit is assumed
3) The program calculates the tangential stress (τ1) acting on the first segment of the
reinforcement element according to the displacement considered
4) Using the above stress value, the program calculates dN1 (which is the variation of the axial
stress on the first segment of the reinforcing unit) equal to the tangential stress τ1 by the length
of the segment of the reinforcing unit
5) The mean stress Nmed = N - dN1/2 is calculated
6) Then the elongation of the segment produced by the effect of Nmed is calculated
7) Then the mean displacement of the reinforcing unit is calculated (δm1)
8) Using this value, the program will repeat the calculation starting from point 3 up to point 7
9) This calculation procedure will provide the value of the tangential stress acting on the slice 1
(τ1), the displacement in the terminal point of the segment (δ2), the contribution to the axial
stress acting on the first slice (dN1), the initial axial stress acting on the next slice N2 = N - dN1
10) Then the next segment is checked by repeating steps no. 3-4-5-6-7-8-9
11) This calculation procedure is conducted for all segments and it is interrupted when the value of
the displacement is null or negative (in this case the segment is divided into parts)
12) At this point all contributions dN1 acting on each slice are added up and the value obtained is
compared to the initial value Ni. If the difference is less than 5 % of the tensile strength, the
calculation ends and the value N is assumed to be as the mean between the sum of all dN1
values and the initial value Ni, then the initial value Ni is modified and the calculation is
repeated starting from point 2.

If the final value N is bigger than the tensile strength and the reinforcing unit is considered as
having a plastic section, then the calculation is repeated considering a fixed value N equal to the
value of the tensile strength in order to check if a point of null displacement is obtained as per the
previous procedure using a value of J (stiffness) reduced by a coefficient fixed in the reinforcement
data-base. If this point is not reached the reinforcing unit is considered under breaking conditions.
The reinforcement reaction value obtained is eventually compared to the internal pull out force.

2.5 STABILITY ANALYSIS CONDUCTED USING THE LIMIT EQUILIBRIUM METHOD

The overall and internal stability checks refer to the limit equilibrium method.
The soil block subject to failure is divided into slices and for each one the program calculates the
acting forces: external forces, weight, forces acting at the base of each slice and shear forces
acting along the slices interface.
The number of unknown is bigger than the number of equilibrium equations available and therefore
the problem is hyperstatic. In order to obtain a solution, it is necessary to simplify it. This problem
has been analysed by different authors, who, by adopting different assumptions, have obtained
different solutions: Fellenius, Bishop, Janbu, Spencer, Morgensten and Price, Sarma and others.
All the developed methods use common assumptions:
- the slope is analysed in conditions of plane deformation that is, the longitudinal dimensions are
assumed to be greater than the transversal ones in order to neglect the border effect.
- the safety coefficient acting along a surface is assumed as the factor by which the parameters
of shear resistance must be divided in order to bring the slope to a condition of limit equilibrium
and it is assumed to be constant along the entire potential sliding surface
- The equilibrium of the entire soil block is analysed as the sum of the equilibrium conditions of
each single slice.

Some characteristics of Macstars 2000 code are described hereunder.

2.5.1 Methods used by MACSTARS 2000

Macstars calculation code employs Bishop and Janbu simplified methods.
Both methods refer to the Mohr – Coulomb failure criterion:
τ = c + ( σ – u ) tan ( φ’ )
Where: τ = maximum tangential stress
c = cohesion
σ = total normal pressure
u = pore water pressure
φ’ = friction angle
8
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003

Characteristics of the simplified Bishop method

- It can be applied only for circular or almost circular surfaces, that is those surfaces that are
considered as failure circular surfaces adopting a fictitious centre of rotation.
- The forces interacting between the slices have only a horizontal direction
- The safety coefficient is calculated by the equilibrium against rotation around the centre of the
circumference
- It does not satisfy the global equilibrium in the horizontal direction

Characteristics of the simplified Janbu method

- It can be applied to any surface type
- The forces interacting between the slices have only a horizontal direction
- The safety coefficient is calculated by the equilibrium against vertical and eventually horizontal
translation
- It allows to take into consideration the vertical shear forces of interaction between the slices by
applying to the previous safety coefficient a correction factor which depends on the problem’s
geometry and the type of soil
- It does not satisfy the global equilibrium of the soil wedge against rotation
Depending on the behaviour of the reinforcing units a stability check can be conducted by the rigid
method or by the displacement method
The displacement method is further divided into the method with assigned displacements or the
method of incremental displacements

Rigid Method
It is based upon the assumption that the reinforcing units behave as rigid structures

Displacement method
It is based upon the assumption that the reinforcing units behave as structures subject to
deformation depending on their linear stiffness.
This method can be applied in case of a rotational shape of the sliding surface. Therefore it can be
used with both Bishop and Janbu methods (at least for a given almost-circular sliding surface).
During the calculation procedure the program utilises a deformation value, which when multiplied
by the length of the sliding surface, provides the value of the displacement to adopt.
This displacement must be considered as the modulus of the displacement vector, constant in
each point of the sliding surface and tangent to the sliding surface itself.
Then the program calculates the horizontal component of this displacement, which is the force
acting on the reinforcing element in the deformative model.

Displacement Method: Assigned Displacement option

According to this method the user provides the value of a deformation with which, during the
calculation, the displacement for each sliding surface as previously detailed can be obtained.

Displacement Method: Incremental Displacements option

By this method the user defines a maximum deformation, and therefore a maximum displacement,
for each surface.
Within the displacement range which goes from 0 up to the maximum displacement, the program
searches and analyses different situations:
1. null displacement
2. displacement at Fs=1.0
3. displacement at Fs=Fsmin (minimum safety coefficient provided by the user)
4. displacement at Fs=Fsmax (maximum safety coefficient)
5. displacement equal to the maximum value assigned by the user (by the maximum
deformation)

Item n.1 refers to the situation in absence of reinforcement (or reinforcement with a null
displacement).

9
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
Item n.2 refers to the situation where the slope deformation is allowed to reach the equilibrium
condition (Fs=1); if the slope has (in absence of reinforcing units) FS>1.0, then the program will not
carry out the calculation since it is not necessary to mobilise the reinforcing units.
Item n.3 refers to the situation where the slope deformation allows to obtain a minimum safety
coefficient (Fsmin) assigned by the user. Even in this case if the slope has (in absence of
reinforcing units) Fs>Fsmin, then the program will not carry out the calculation since it is not
necessary to mobilise the reinforcing units.
Item n. 4 refers to the situation where the slope deformation allows the user to obtain the
maximum allowable safety coefficient within the range of the slope deformations assigned by the
user. Since the function relevant to the safety coefficient may provide different relative maximum
values, the iterative procedure, which leads to Fsmax, can provide just a relative maximum value
and not an absolute value.
Item n.5 refers to the situation of the slope’s maximum deformation assigned by the user.

For the situations illustrated in items n. 2-3-4-5- and for each analysed surface the vector of the
stresses acting on the reinforcing units is memorised and for each situation and for each
reinforcement the calculation determines the maximum stress and the relevant associated
deformation.

2.5.2 Generation of the failure surfaces

The user can run Macstars2000 to determine a sliding surface by providing the surface co-
ordinates (this procedure can be adopted when information is available on the position of the
sliding surface) or to search randomly for the potential sliding surface, that is a surface which has
the minimum safety factor and is the most probable surface which can induce the slope failure.
The generated surfaces can be:
- circular surfaces
- random polygonal surfaces

The calculation method adopted is: Bishop method for circular surfaces and Janbu method for
circular or random surfaces
In case of a given surface, either Bishop or Janbu methods are possible but in this case the
surface must proximate a circumference arch, otherwise the analysis will not be correct.
The user drives the search for the critical surface by providing some geometrical parameters such
as:
- the extension of the segment from where the surfaces originate
- the extension of the segment where the surfaces end
- the magnitude of the angle from where the surfaces originate
- the length of each segment of the sliding surface
- a minimum elevation below which the surfaces cannot extend
- a geometrical profile within which the surfaces cannot enter (for example a bedrock profile)

The final result can depend upon such choices; therefore it is advisable to conduct the calculation
several times using different parameters.
The user can also select how many surfaces to generate.
Each single surface is generated by considering successive segments (whose length is provided
by the user) whose inclination is determined at random, but partially controlled due to the imposed
values.

2.5.3 Sub-division into slices

Once a potential sliding surface has been determined, the soil block subject to failure is sub-
divided into slices, according to the following parametrs:
- discontinuity of the sliding surface
- discontinuity of the stratigraphic and geometrical profiles
- discontinuity of the levels of the water table
- position of the loads

2.5.4 Surcharge loads

10
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
The surcharge loads acting on the slope are:
- uniform surcharge loads
- linear loads
- point loads repeated at regular intervals
- isolated point loads
- loads generated by the presence of tiebacks
- dynamic loads due to seismic actions

Other forces are implicitly considered such as water table (see the section water table):
a) pressures acting on the soil block. When the water table is external to the soil profile.
b) filtration forces acting on the slope in case of inclined water table.

Uniform surcharge loads

The program allows the user to consider uniformly distributed surcharge loads by providing its
external surface, the value and inclination of the surcharge load acting on the soil block. Such
loads acting on the top of the slices are then transferred to their base without any lateral diffusion
(figure 8). In case of inclined surcharge loads, the program divides them into two components,
vertical and horizontal.

Figure 8

Linear loads acting on the longitudinal direction with respect to the slope
It is a linear load acting on the longitudinal direction with respect to the slope, which appears to be
a point surcharge load in the transversal section. Such a load spreads down in depth (figure 9)
according to an angle of about 27° (angle given by the ratio 1:2) from the direction of the load
(therefore 54° overall)

A
i

27°
27° Pi
αi

Figure 9
Figure 10

The value of the pressure on each slice resulting from the application of the load (F) is defined by
the following procedure (figure 10):
- given a slice i, the program calculates the angle (α i) formed by the direction of the load and
the line connecting the point of application of the load (A) with the centre of the base slice (B);
if such an angle is lower then the one indicated above the procedure will continue;
- the program calculates the distance (di) between points (A) and (B);
11
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
- the radial pressure (σi), that is the pressure acting on the direction AB, at the base of the slice
is calculated with the Flamant equation (Morlier and Tenier 1982):
σi = 2 F cos ( α i )
π di

- The resulting radial force (Pi) at the base of the slice is therefore obtained multiplying the
pressure by the length of the slice.

The forces thus calculated are modified in their intensity to guarantee the equilibrium of the system
of forces formed by the applied force F and by the radial forces Pi, according to the following
procedure:
- The program calculates the components of all radial forces Pi in the parallel (P1) and
perpendicular (P2) directions of the load;
- the forces are distinguished in P1a and P1b, P2a and P2b where the index b is referred to
forces for which the component P2 is negative;
- the program operates a system which allow equilibrium of the acting forces:
a [P1a] + b [P1b] = F
a [P2a] + b [P2b] = 0

- the application of the coefficient a and b respectively to the forces produces a set of radial
forces Pi in equilibrium with the applied force

Point loads repeated at regular intervals

These are point loads, which are repeated at regular intervals in the third dimension (longitudinal
direction).
Such a type of load is calculated according to a procedure, which at first considers the
transformation of the surcharge point loads into a linear load (longitudinal distribution) and then the
application of the procedure described in the previous item.
The longitudinal distribution takes place according to the following scheme:
- the program determines (figure 11) the distance (Zs) between the point of application of the
load (A) and the failure surface (B)
- then the program determines (figure 12) the distance (Zcr) where the cones of longitudinal
distribution of the loads with an angle equal to about 37° (angle given by the ratio 3:4)
intersect (Zcr=2/3*I, being I = the load inter-axis)
- then the program determines (figure 13) the width of the slip surface intersected by the
longitudinal diffusion of a single load (L)
- for Zs smaller than Zcr the equivalent linear load is given by Q/L
- for Zs greater than Zcr the equivalent linear load is given by Q/I

Once the point loads repeated by a constant inter-axis have been transformed into a linear load
(longitudinal distribution), the transversal distribution is determined as described in the previous
item.
Q

Zs

Figure 11

12
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
Q Q Q
Q Q Q

Zcr
Zcr
37° 37° 37° 37°

Figure 12 Figure 13

Isolated point loads

These are isolated loads, which do not repeat in the third dimension. Such a type of load is
transformed into a linear load by a longitudinal distribution:
- The program determines (figure 11) the distance (Zc) where the load crosses the failure
surface
- Then the program determines (figure 13) the width of the failure surface affected by the
longitudinal distribution of the load with an angle equal to about 37° (angle given by the ratio
3:4) in correspondence of the failure surface (L)
- The point load Q is transformed into an equivalent linear load (Q/L)

Once the point load has been transformed into a linear load (longitudinal distribution), the
transversal distribution is determined as described in the previous item.

Tiebacks
The load generated by the presence of the tiebacks is considered as a linear force according to the
distribution of the load on the inter-axis of the reinforcing units.
At the beginning of the calculation procedure the program (figure 14) checks that the total length of
the reinforcing units is such that they cross the sliding surface (the user must make sure that the
tieback anchorage is external to the sliding surface)

Figure 14

In this case the program will operate a distribution of the load with an angle of 90° with respect to
the direction of the reinforcing units (for a total of 180°) using the same procedure adopted for the
linear loads.

Dynamic loads due to seismic actions

Macstars 2000 refers to the pseudo-static method to conduct the calculation procedure of seismic
forces, introducing into the calculation mass forces with a horizontal and vertical direction, obtained
by multiplying the total weight of each single slice by the two coefficient of seismic intensity,
(horizontal and vertical) expressed as percentage of g.

13
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
Positive values of the seismic intensity coefficients generate forces oriented in an outward direction
from the slope and towards the top.

2.5.5. Soil reinforcement

The presence of a reinforcement is assumed in the calculation procedure by considering a
stabilising horizontal force directed into the slope (figure 15) at the point of intersection between
the reinforcement and the sliding surface.

Figure 15

As for the calculation of this force, refer to paragraph 2.4 in which the different calculation
procedures adopted are fully described.

2.5.6 Water Tables

The presence of one or more water tables in the soil is determined by considering lines defined by
the following points:
- The point’s abscissa
- The point’s ordinate
- Lower ordinate of validity of the underground water table
- Pressure acting on the underground water level

The first two data refer to the underground water free surface.
The user can consider water surfaces under pressure and in this case for each point of the free
surface, the acting pressure must be provided as well.
Perched water tables can also be considered.
The calculation involves the determination of other values related to the water table presence:
- weight of the slice
- pore water pressure at the base of the slice
- forces acting on the soil free surface
- forces related to the inclination of the water table ( filtration forces)
- forces related to a water table which impacts upon the structure (hydrostatic thrust)

The user must take into consideration that the calculation of the interstitial pressure can also
consider the parameter Ru (pore pressure parameter) as described below.

Calculation of the slice’s weight

In calculating the weight of the slice, the presence of a phreatic surface within the slice involves the
use of the natural unit weight of the slice portion outside the phreatic surface and the saturated unit
weight of the submerged portion of the slice.
The calculation of the values necessary to determine the volumes is conducted along the mean
section of the slice; the obtained values are applied to the entire slice.

Calculation of the pore water pressure at the base of the slice

14
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
The pore water pressure at the base of the slice (u) is calculated in order to determine the
pressure acting at the base of the slice (2.5.1).
The calculation of the pore water pressure is rather simple for a horizontal phreatic surface, since
the program can apply the equation of hydrostatic pressure (figure 16, point A1):

h1
h
A1
h h2
A2

Figure 16 Figure 17

u = γw . h

where: γw is the weight of the water column

h is the difference in depth between the free surface and the base of the slice, possibly
increased by the pressure acting on the free surface

In case of an inclined water table the use of the hydrostatic pressure is definitely conservative and
can be excessively penalising (figure 16, point A2). It should be necessary to consider a flow
network and calculate the pressure with respect to the depth of the correspondent equi-potential at
the base of the slice, but unfortunately this calculation is rather complex for the purposes of this
program.
Therefore the following method has been adopted (figure 17):
- given a slice, the height h1, corresponding to the hydrostatic height (along the vertical direction)
is considered
- the program then determines the depth of point B, this being the toe of the perpendicular in
point A (center of the slice base) to the phreatic surface profile
- then the height h2 equal to the difference in depth between A and B is calculated
- in order to calculate the pore water pressure, the phreatic surface (u = γw . h) height is assumed
as the mean value between h1 and h2

The value determined is still slightly conservative with respect to the real value.
For calculation purposes of the pore water pressure, the parameter Ru (pore pressure parameter)
related to the soils and not to the water tables can be used.
The parameter Ru allows the user to calculate the excess of pore water pressure (∆u) due to shear
stresses according to the following equation:
∆u = W Ru/dx

being W the slice total weight and dx its width.

The exceeding pressure ∆u is added to the pressure value u obtained in defining the phreatic
surface, therefore the pressure ∆u can be added to or replace the pressure value u.
Calculation of the forces acting on the soil free surface
When a phreatic surface is located on the soil’s free profile, a hydrostatic pressure (ut) develops
which is then calculated for each slice by the following equation:
ut = γw . ht

where ht is the height of the water column above the soil’s free profile

Calculation of the filtration forces

In case of inclined phreatic surface, a dragging force parallel to the flow direction generates within
the soil.
15
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
The vertical component of this force, heading downhill, is implicitly calculated when the pore water
pressure at the base is determined. In fact, the use of a value of the height of the phreatic surface
lower than the hydrostatic pressure produces a lower uplift, due to the dragging effect towards the
bottom produced by the filtration forces (for a phreatic surface decreasing downhill).
The horizontal component (figure 18) is calculated on the base of the equilibrium of the hydrostatic
pressures acting on the right margin of the slice (force directed leftward), on the left margin (force
directed rightward) and on the bottom (force usually directed leftward). In case of a horizontal
phreatic surface, the sum of these forces is nill, whereas if the phreatic surface is inclined, the sum
of the above forces has a positive value and the resulting force has a leftward direction (for a
phreatic surface which reduces downhill).

Figure 18

Calculation of the hydrostatic pressure

When a phreatic surface terminates within the soil, for example against an impermeable surface, a
hydrostatic pressure generates within the soil. The calculation of this pressure is obtained by the
procedure described in the previous paragraph.

2.6 OVERALL STABILITY ANALYSIS

The overall stability analysis is a limit equilibrium stability.
The user must define:
- the number of surfaces to generate
- the calculation method to adopt (Bishop, Janbu)
- the type of surfaces (circular or random polygonal)
- the initiation point downhill of the failure surfaces (usually from 0.5 to 1.0 times the height of the
retaining work)
- the termination point uphill the failure surfaces (usually from 1.5 to 2.0 times the height of the
retaining work)
- the minimum length of the segments which make up each sliding surface
- a minimum depth under which the failure surfaces cannot extend
- limit to the angle with which the first segment of the sliding surface is generated
- the calculation method: rigid or displacement with the relevant calculation parameters

Among the safety coefficients determined (one for each surface) the lowest is the slope safety
coefficient.
According to the calculation method adopted for the reinforcing units, the maximum tensile stress
acting on the reinforcing units is provided (see paragraph 2.5.1).

2.7 INTERNAL STABILITY ANALYSIS

The internal stability analysis is a stability check against limit equilibrium.
The user must define:
- the retaining work or blocks to be checked

16
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
- the number of surfaces to generate
- the calculation method to adopt (Bishop, Janbu)
- the type of surfaces (circular or random polygonal)
- the termination point uphill the failure surfaces (usually from 1.5 to 2.0 times the height of the
retaining work)
- the minimum length of the segments which form each sliding surface
- a minimum depth under which the failure surfaces cannot extend
- limit of the angle with which the first segment of the sliding surface is generated
- the calculation method: rigid or displacement with the relevant calculation parameters

Among the safety coefficients determined (one for each surface) the lowest is the slope safety
coefficient. According to the calculation method adopted for the reinforcing units, the maximum
tensile stress acting on the reinforcing units is provided (see paragraph 2.5.1).

2.8 STABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE AS A RETAINING WALL

This type of analysis is conducted by using a procedure which consists of the following steps:
1) Selection of the strucutre to check (user’s choice)
2) Geometrical check of the user’s choice
3) Definition of the retaining wall (backfill profile)
4) Calculation of the stabilising forces
5) Calculation of the maximum thrust
6) Check against sliding
7) Check against overturning
8) Check against bearing capacity

2.8.1 Selection of the portion of a reinforced soil structure to be considered a retaining wall
The user must select the block to check as a retaining structure. All blocks of the retaining
structure which are located over the selected block become part of the retaining wall.

2.8.2 Geometric check of the chosen portion

Macstars preliminarily checks if the user’s choice generates a retaining wall according to the
conditions detailed in paragraph 2.3.3.
If the user’s choice does not meet the above conditions, the program will display a message
showing an inclination less than 70°, not giving the possibility to proceed with the calculation.

2.8.3 Definition of the retaining wall

The program automatically defines the wall’s structure, considering all selected blocks and the soil
portions above them (figure 19, dashed line).
This selection is fundamental since everything within this profile forms the retaining wall and
therefore all relevant weights are used when considering sliding and overturning as stabilising load

Figure 19

17
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
2.8.4 Calculation of the forces acting within the retaining wall
The calculation procedure which allows to determine the forces acting within the retaining wall
(forces and moments) is based upon the data coming from the program section which conducts
the limit equilibrium stability checks.
The retaining wall, considered as a fictitious single sliding surface, is divided into slices and for
each slice the following data are used:
1) total weight
2) forces due to distributed surcharge loads
3) forces due to linear loads (without transversal distribution)
4) forces due to repeated or isolated point loads (without transversal distribution)
5) forces due to tiebacks (without transversal distribution)
6) forces on the free surface due to the presence of a phreatic surface
7) pore water pressure at the base
8) forces due to seismic actions
9) internal forces due to the level variations of the water table (filtration or hydrostatic thrust)
Then the program calculates the overall stabilising force acting along the base, the unstabilising
horizontal force, the stabilising moment and the overturning moment.

Overall stabilising forces

The following procedure is employed:
a) calculation of the vertical force acting on the base (Fv)
b) calculation of the horizontal stabilising force (Fh) due to the forces from 2 to 6
c) calculation of the uplift due to the pore water pressures at the base (U)
d) calculation of the total force acting on the base N = Fv – U
e) calculation of the resisting force due to the cohesion (Fcoes) on the base
f) Calculation of the mean internal friction angle (φmed) on the base
g) Calculation of the total stabilizing resistant force (Fstab)
Fstab = N . tan (φmed) + Fcoes + Fh

Total unstabilising forces

The total unstabilising force (horizontal) acting inside the retaining wall (Fhun) is obtained by adding
forces 8 and 9.

Total stabilising moment

The total stabilising moment (Ms) is obtained by adding all contributions due to the single moments
of the forces from 1 to 6 with respect to the wall’s downhill edge.

Total overturning moment

The total overturning moment (Mo) is obtained by adding all contributions due to the single
moments of the forces from 8 to 9 with respect to the wall’s downhill edge
The un-stabilizing moment (Mu), due to the interstitial pressures at the base, is considered as well.

2.8.5 Calculation of the maximum forces acting on the wall

The calculation of the forces acting on the wall, due to the thrust generated by the backfill, is
carried out with a procedure based on the data coming from the program section which conducts
the limit equilibrium stability checks.
The adopted procedure is the following:
1) the program analyzes 200 sliding surfaces which include the entire wall base and terminate
uphill by random directions or directions obtained by the Rankine equation
2) the program analyzes each single surface in order to determine the thrust applied to the
retaining wall and the relevant overturning moment
3) the soil portion within a surface is divided into slices and for each slice all the forces described
in the previous paragraph relevant to the retaining wall are calculated, by deducting all the
forces already considered for the retaining wall and by adding all forces due to the
reinforcements intersected by the surface (using the rigid model); the forces thus obtained are
those which generate the thrust acting on the retaining wall
4) the thrust acting on the wall is determined by adding all the slices contributions

18
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
5) the thrust due to a single slice is obtained by solving the forces polygon consisting of four
forces: the resultant of the horizontal components, the resultant of the vertical components, the
reaction at the base of the slice inclined by the friction angle with respect to the base, the
active thrust assumed as acting horizontally (this assumption complies with Bishop
assumptions in the stability analysis)
6) the overturning moment due to the thrust is obtained by considering the single contributions of
all forces with respect to the retaining wall’s edge downhill
7) the value of the thrust (Sa) for the stability check of the retaining wall is obtained by
considering the maximum of the thrusts calculated on all surfaces; the relevant moment (Ma) is
used for the stability checks against overturning.

2.8.6 Stability checks against sliding

The safety coefficient against sliding (Fss) is given by the following equation:
Fss = Fstab/Fhtot

Where Fhtot = (Sa +Fhun) = total horizontal force

Fstab = total stabilising force acting at the base of the wall
Sa = maximum active thrust acting on the wall
Fhun = horizontal un-stabilising force acting on the wall (due to seismic actions or hydraulic
forces)

2.8.7 Check against overturning

The safety coefficient against overturning (Fov) is given by the following formula:
Fov = (Mstab – Mu) / (Ma + Mov)
where summarizing:
Mstab = stabilising moment due to the forces acting on the wall
Mu = overturning moment due to the interstitial forces acting at the base of the wall
Ma = overturning moment due to the maximum active thrust acting on the wall
Mov = overturning moment due to the un-stabilising horizontal forces acting on the wall (due to
seismic actions or hydraulic forces)

2.8.8 Check against the bearing capacity

The stability check against the wall foundation bearing capacity can be conducted both by
assigning the ultimate pressure of the foundation soil (pu), and having the program calculate this
value, as described in paragraph 2.8.9.
The procedure to check the wall foundation bearing capacity consists of the following steps:
1) the program determines the value of the eccentricity (e) from the relationship
e = B / 2 - [ ( Mstab - Mu ) - ( Ma + Mov ) ] / N

2) the program determines the reduced width (Br) of the foundation’s base
Br = B e<0
Br = B – 2 e e>0

3) in case of ultimate pressure provided by the user, the program determines the mean
equivalent pressure (pmeq) by the equation
pmeq = N / Br

4) in case of ultimate pressure calculated by the program, the mean equivalent pressure (pmeq) is
determined by the equation
pmeq = R / Br

where R= the inclined vectorial resultant of the vertical load (N) and the total horizontal force
acting on the base (Fhtot)

5) the program determines the safety coefficient of the bearing capacity (Fscp) by using the
following equation
Fscp = pu / pmeq
19
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003

where pu =ultimate pressure of the foundation soil provided by the user (considered in this case
with a vertical direction) or calculated by the program (considered inclined as R)

2.8.9 Calculation of the ultimate pressure

The ultimate pressure of the foundation soil is calculated by using a general method which refers
to the classical method of calculation of the limit equilibrium (Terzaghi, Hansen Meyerhof), and
which allows the user to take into consideration complex stratigraphic or geometrical situations.
The procedure adopted, with reference to figure 20, is the following:

BR

R
E A B

α1 α2

α3
D C

Figure 20

1) the program considers a foundation with a width Br subject to an inclined load R (see
paragraph 2.8.8), which extends to the infinite, in the third direction
2) then 225 surfaces identified as straight lines (BC) – spirals (CD) – straight line (DE) are
defined; for each surface point C is obtained by intersecting the lines exiting from A and B with
the angles α1 and α2 (which can vary between 10° and 70° at intervals of 4°), whereas the
segment CD is a logarithmic spiral with an angle α3 = 90°, tangent in C to the segment BC; the
segment DE instead is tangent in D to the same logarithmic spiral; some geometrical checks
allow to eliminate those possible surfaces non- compatible with the problem’s geometry.
3) For each defined surface a limit equilibrium stability analysis is conducted using Janbu method
by increasing the acting pressure from the initial value (R/Br) up to a value (p1) which provides
Fs=1.0
4) The smallest of all p1 values calculated for all the generated surfaces corresponds to the
ultimate pressure of the wall’s foundation soil

2.9 SLIDING CHECK FOR SOIL REINFORCED STRUCTURES OR BLOCKS

The stability analysis against sliding of a soil reinforced structure (or for a single block) is
conducted by using a procedure similar to the one used for the wall checks.
The main steps of this type of analysis are:

20
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003

Reinforced soil portion considered

as the "wall"
Considered slipping surfaces for
any location of the B point

Possible position
of the B point

A B

L
L/2 L/2

Figure 21

1) selection of the work/block to check

2) the program considers that the base resistant to sliding is included between the downhill
corner edge of the block (figure 21, point A) and a point located in the uphill line with an
extension equal to half the base of the block (figure 21, point B).
3) then 200 potential sliding surfaces are generated changing the position of point B and the
initiation point of the same point (100 surfaces are generated at random and a 100 by
Rankine’s theory)
4) for each surface a retaining wall is considered defined uphill by the vertical profile exiting from
B towards the free surface.
5) then the surface which gives the maximum thrust on the wall is determined and for this surface
the resistant force acting on the base is determined. Then the program determines the safety
coefficient against sliding by using the same data used for the retaining wall and the same
parameters of resistance provided by the user in relation to the type of contact determined at
the base

The reinforcements which can be possibly intersected by the uphill segment of the sliding surface
are kept into consideration in the calculation of the thrust (thrust reduction effect) and the tensile
stress acting on the reinforcing element is obtained by the rigid model.

2.10 SETTLEMENT CALCULATION

This procedure, which allows to calculate the soil settlements is based on the data provided by the
section of the program which conducts the limit equilibrium stability checks and consists of the
following phases:
1) Calculation of the loads
2) Calculation of the change in the induced tensional state
3) Calculation of the soil settlements

2.10.1 Calculation of the loaded area

The soil profile which is added to the pre-existing soils (defined by the user) is considered as a
fictitious sliding surface and the soil delimited by this surface is divided into slices (maximum width
2 meters) and for each slice the following values are used:
1) total weight
2) forces due to the distributed loads
3) pore water pressure at the base

These three values allow the software to calculate for each slice the vertical pressure acting on the
soil layers below, that is the strip load acting on the slice. Therefore the program determines a
number of strip loads, applied at different levels.

2.10.2 Calculation of the induced stresses

21
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
The vertical line where settlements are calculated is defined by the user and is considered in the
problem’s geometry, thus obtaining the corresponding stratigraphy by defining for each layer the
required input data.
Each layer is additionally divided into elementary segments and for each segment the change in
the induced tensional state is calculated by superimposing the effects of the single strip loads.
For the calculation of the change in the induced tensional state, the program refers to Jumikis
(1971) equations which are based on the following hypothesis:
a) the foundation soil is considered as a linear-elastic, homogeneous and isotropic semi-space
b) the area affected by the load action is located at the upper limit of the semispace
c) the load area is assumed to be infinitely flexible

The equations used are:

∆σz = q / π . [ tan-1(( x + D) / z) - tan-1(( x - D) / z) – z . (x - D) / ((x-D)2+z2) + z . (x + D) / ((x-D)2+z2) ]
∆σx = q / π . [ tan-1(( x + D) / z) - tan-1(( x - D) / z) + z . (x - D) / ((x-D)2+z2) - z . (x + D) / ((x+D)2+z2) ]
∆σy = ν . ( ∆σz + ∆σx )

where: ∆σz, ∆σx, ∆σy =variations of the vertical (z) and horizontal (x,y) tensional state in
the i-th soil segment
q = applied load
ν = Poisson coefficient (assumed equal to 0.30)
D = semi-width of the load
x,z =coordinates of the point of calculation of the tensional state relevant to a
reference system which originates in the axis of the load

2.10.3 Calculation of the settlements

Once the profile of the induced tensional state variation has been determined, the calculation of
the settlement is conducted by applying the elasticity equations to each single soil segment
The calculation of the settlement is extended into the soil depth until the vertical tensional variation
induced by the load (∆σz) is lower by 10% of the initial geo-static stress.
The calculation takes into consideration incoherent and coherent soils.

Incoherent soils
The calculation of the elementary failure relevant to the i-th segment (si) is carried out by using the
equation: si = [ ∆σz – νi ( ∆σx + ∆σy) ] . ∆hi / Ei
where: ∆σz, ∆σx, ∆σy = variations of the vertical (z) and horizontal (x,y) tensional state in
the i-th soil segment
νi = Poisson coefficient (assumed equal to 0.30) in the i-th soil segment
Ei = mean deformability modulus in the i-th soil segment
∆hi = thickness of the i-th soil segment
The parameters of elasticity ν and E are directly provided by the user during the soil input data
procedure

Cohesive soils
The calculation of the elementary settlement relevant to the i-th segment (si) is carried out by using
the equation: si = βi . sed,i
where: sed,i =edometric settlement of the i-th soil segment
βi = a + α (1-A) = corrective factor of the i-th soil segment
A = Skempton’s parameter of the pore water pressure
α = a-dimensional coefficient, function of the problem’s geometry

The parameters A and α are provided by the user

The edometric settlemnt sed,i is calculated by making a distinction between over-consolidated soils
(OC) and normal-consolidated soils (NC)

a) NC soils
sed,i = CR . log10 (σ’vf / σ’vo ) . ∆hi
22
C:\MacStars 2000\Manuals\Mac 2000_Reference Manual_ENG.doc Rel. 22/01/2003
where: σ’vo = effective geo-static vertical pressure
σ’vf = σ’vo + ∆σz = effective final vertical pressure
∆hi = thickness of the i-th soil segment
CR = coefficient of primary compression ( provided by the user)
b) OC soils
There are two possible cases:
σ’vf > σ’vp sed,i = [ RR . log10 (σ’vp / σ’vo ) + CR . log10 (σ’vf / σ’vp ) ] . ∆hi
σ’vf < σ’vp sed,i = RR . log10 (σ’vf / σ’vo ) . ∆hi

where: σ’vo = effective geo-static vertical pressure

σ’vp = pre-consolidation pressure (provided by the user at the bottom and the
top of each cohesive layer) is obtained by interpolation of each soil segment
σ’vf = σ’vo + ∆σz = effective final vertical pressure
∆hi = thickness of the i-th soil segment
CR = coefficient of primary compression ( provided by the user)
RR = coefficient of re-compression ( provided by the user)

23