Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
1.
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to introduce the reader to the preliminary
prototype developed to identify the requirements specified by the customer for the
automation of the load transfer analysis of single axially loaded piles. The formulated
ideas that propose a solution to the problem stated by the customer will be presented.
These were originated based on the customer’s needs. Another very important aspect that
will be revised in a very thorough way will be the description of the current analysis
system, developed by, Miguel A. Ruiz, a Civil Engineering doctoral student. This system
will be a starting point to further develop the capabilities it now has.
Piles are used in building foundation to transfer the load of the building to a more
stable or strong layer of soil, usually rock. They are long and thin, and usually made of
wood, steel or concrete. Pile installation may vary for each application; they can be
driven, drilled or jacked into the ground. Depending on the soil type, the pile material and
the load transfer characteristic, piles are chosen.
The effect that different forces have on piles is a very important issue for civil
engineers that requires precise calculations. In a meeting that was held with Dr. Miguel
Pando, our customer, he stated that an algorithm has been developed for this purpose, but
that the interface is not very user friendly and it is bound to a Microsoft Excel
environment. These reasons make the current program difficult to use and commercialize.
Therefore, our main goal is to create a graphical user interface that interacts in a flexible
yet simple way to work along with the current algorithm.
Among the contents of this document are also the benefits and constraints for this
project. The benefits include the automation of the load transfer analysis of single axially
loaded piles, hence decreasing the analysis time cost with the usage of an improved
graphical user interface. For this project, the constraints are few, and they are discussed
in their designated section of the report.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
1
Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
2.
Current System State
The current system was developed with Visual Basic using a Microsoft Excel
interface. It presents an Instruction Worksheet, which has enumerated steps that describe
how to use the program and its functions, see Figure A.1 on Appendix A. Data input is
performed on a second worksheet, called General Data, see Figure A.2 on Appendix A.
Here, the user enters the required values of the pile characteristics and has tools to save
data, open data files, and perform the analysis. Soil data input is done by clicking on the
‘Step 1’ button on the lower part of the General Data Worksheet. A dialog box will
appear that requires the entry of properties of the soil layers (screenshot not available).
Also, the user may specify the number of segments of the pile for each soil layer by
clicking the Pile Segments button. A summary of the button functionality is shown
below; see also Figure A.3 on Appendix A.
 Open Existing File: Opens an existing data file for analysis
 Step 1: Opens a dialog box to enter the properties of the soil layers
 Enter properties: Enter properties for all layers
 Pile segments: Enter number of pile segments per layer
 Tip settlements: Set pile tip settlements to develop the pile load settlement curve
 Save data: Saves the data of the current project
 Save New Project: Saves the project in a new file
 Run: Runs the algorithm for the load transfer analysis
 View Results: Opens the results file
 Custom TZ Curve: Enter custom load transfer curves
All of this functionality will be implemented in the new design with a few different
approaches. Please see the Required Functions section for a more detailed look.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
2
Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
3.
Required Functions
The following is a generalized list of the required functions of the new system to
be developed.
1. General Data Entry: The user will enter data such as the number of layers that
the soil to be examined has, the radius of influence of the pile, etc. After this
information is entered by the user the system waits for the rest of the information
needed before the user proceeds to making any calculations. Please refer to
Figures B.1 and B.10 on Appendix B for more information.
2. Pile Data Entry: The user will enter the data related to the pile to be examined.
Among the criteria that will be entered are the radius of the pile, the length of the
pile, and its comprehensive strength.
Please see Figures B.1 and B.10 on
Appendix B for more information.
3. Soil Data Entry: The user will enter the data specified for each of the layers of
soil. Note that the number of layers must be specified beforehand, in other words,
before we get to the point in which the user enters the data. Please see Figure
B.11 of Appendix B.
4. Pile Cross Section Library Accessibility and Manipulation: In the case that a pile
with a new cross section is available in the market, and the system does not have
the necessary information to analyze this pile, the user can add these
characteristics to the system’s library. The system will then be ready to analyze
this new type of pile and test it against others. Please refer to Figures B.12 and
B.13 of Appendix B for more information.
5. Graphical Output Display: The system will display, in a graphical representation,
the outputs to the user. This output will then be interpreted by the user or used to
make certain comparisons between products.
See Figures B.14 and B.15 of
Appendix B.
6. User Assistance: In the case the user requires help performing a particular task,
there will be a help menu available, with detailed instructions and steps to follow,
depending on the particular function the user is trying to complete. See figures
B.6 and B.7 of Appendix B for more information.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
3
Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
7. Results Comparison: The user may compare the results obtained when running
the analysis for different pile types under the same conditions, or the same pile
under different conditions.
This provides a useful way for making better
decisions before purchase. See Figures B.15 through B.17 for more information.
4.
Constraints
In order to successfully complete the design desired by our client, we have a set of
guidelines and constraints that must be followed. These were stated by our client as
we discussed possible approaches towards the design and implementation methods:
1. The existing algorithm can not be altered when implementing the new system.

The new program should continue the pattern of functionality of the
present system. The only difference will be the way the results are shown.
The results will be presented in a more user friendly manner to interact
with the user in a dynamic form so the output data is more understandable.
2. The program must run in the Windows environment.

The users of the program are familiarized with the Windows platform,
since the applications that help them to resolve this kind of problems are
based on this Operating System.
3. Inputs to the program are limited to those defined on the current system.

The present system has a specific input data set that will be the same one
that will be utilized in the development of the new program. The main
inputs to the system will be the characteristics of the piles, the type of soil
where it will be placed, and the type of installation that will be used for the
piles.
4. The output of the system will be shown numerically and graphically.

The output results that will be obtained in the new system are going to be
the same ones of the current system. The only thing that will change is the
mode these results will be shown. The graphical interface will facilitate
the data flow of the system.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
5. A lot of interaction with the present system is required to be able to carry out the
development of the new system.

Due to the fact that the client only desires to optimize the existing system,
it is necessary to recur frequently to the present system to see its input and
output, to know how it should be manipulated to obtain the desired results.
Results may be comparisons between different piles to choose which of
them is the most efficient for a specific application, as well as with one
pile, see how efficient it can be when is installed in soils with different
characteristics.
5.
Benefits
The basic need of our client is to implement this program in a more user-friendly
environment; which would have great benefits for those users who are not familiar
with the current program interface and/or for those who would like results to
interpreted in a systematic manner and make comprehensive decisions.
1. The analysis of pile deviations under axial load with a graphic interface of easy
interaction.

The existing system receives input data and manipulates it in the necessary
way so that the analysis helps the user to choose the best pile that suits an
application. The results are shown only numerically, so it was requested
to show them graphically to give a better idea to the user of the analysis
carried out.
2. Facilitate the analysis by automating the process of calculating the effects of the
axial load on piles.

It is an advantage to produce a better product to commercialize because
the current system does not provide this opportunity.
3. Reduction of time cost.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
5
Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo

The results are obtained faster than with the current system because the
data is entered to the system through a GUI, a more interactive manner in
comparison with the current system that uses tabulated forms.
4. Options for the comparison are provided (benefit for consumers, the aid to make
better purchase decisions)
a. Different types of piles under the same conditions.

It helps the user to decide which pile to select in order to satisfy the
specifications of the project or the application. These comparisons
allow the user to choose the pile that adjusts to the needs and
limitations that exist, such as cost, durability, strength, etc.
b. The same pile under different conditions, to discriminate among piles.

This analysis shows how useful a pile can be to certain applications
and how inefficient it could be in other applications. If these
tendencies are known, it is easier to make predictions in future works.
5. The results obtained for the program are shown in a more user friendly interface.

In the current system, graphical screens are not shown and so, the analysis
is abstract. The new system has the feature of a graphical interface, which
gives a clearer idea of the evaluated system and its components.
6. The output data can be shown in a more detailed model.

This facilitates the visualization and establishes a relation between the data
and the pile analysis.
6.
Potential Approaches
1. General, Pile, and Soil Data Entry: This functionality could be implemented with
entry boxes on a Graphical User Interface (GUI for short) or pop-up windows
with entries for each of the parameters of both soil and pile characteristics.
Another very interesting approach could be creating a grid-like interface in which
the user could “draw” the pile using the mouse pointer. The system could then
retrieve some characteristics from this drawing, making the system more
interactive.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
6
Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
2. Pile Cross Section Library accessibility and manipulation:
Could be
implemented through the use of GUIs in which the user can access the various
pile cross sections available for analysis. Pictures or descriptions of the cross
sections might be displayed for easy referencing to a specific type of pile. Using
a program-coded database the user could be able to add new types of pile cross
sections as they become available.
3. Graphical Output Display: For better understanding and to facilitate comparisons
between different analyses, the plotting of the output data could be implemented
using plots and other diagrams. These plots could be displayed on a spreadsheet
or even in a more dynamic interface where the user could change characteristics
on the graphs themselves if it is necessary to modify the analysis.
4. User assistance: This requirement could be implemented by adding a help menu
that can display various help topics to the user. Another approach could be done
by adding a “Frequently Asked Questions” functionality or a way in which a user
can enter a question and perform a search on an existing “Help” database. This
could even be implemented by setting an online user help if the specific question
cannot be found in the system’s database.
5. Pile comparisons: One approach to implement the analysis of different piles
would be to construct an interface to add different outputs to the same
spreadsheet. Each analysis could be done individually and then display each
graph on the spreadsheet.
Or the analysis could be done for each pile
simultaneously, having the system ask for the characteristics of each pile on some
kind of data input inquiry.
6. Requirement of using existing analysis algorithm: A downside at first, not being
able to modify the exiting algorithm might make our interpretation of the problem
a bit more troublesome, since we cannot solve the problem ourselves hands-on.
The new system will be built following these already exiting problem solving
techniques. A definite approach to take will be to take advantage of the fact that
part of the problem has already been solved for us, so then we can spend our time
more efficiently on implementing every detail of the customer’s requirements.
The program should be coded so as to only ask for the needed parameters to
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
7
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
perform the analysis and produce the graphical output, and the algorithm shall not
be changed whatsoever.
7. Required Use of Windows Environment: Since Microsoft Windows® is the most
commercialized operating system platform used worldwide; programming the
application using one of the .NET environments (such as Visual C# .NET) will
become much easier in terms of design and implementation. With this approach
the program would be able to run on any Windows-based PC with minimal
problems.
8. Inputs to the program are limited to those defined on the actual system: As of
today, the source code won’t be available to the new system designers or to the
end user, so the inputs are limited to those defined by the customer. Adding
additional inputs would result in a change of the existing algorithm. One of the
best approaches to cope with this restriction is by the use of GUIs, since the
source code would then be hidden from the said end user and the new system
designers would only worry about creating an efficient interface and not with the
algorithm itself.
9. The output of the system must be shown numerically and graphically: The best
approach would be by plotting graphs and tables that will provide for an easier
data output analysis.
10. A lot of interaction with the present system is required to be able to carry out the
development of the new system: Better understanding of the actual system can
lead to a better and user-friendly new system design and future implementation.
11. The output data must be shown in a more detailed model: The current system
displays output data in a Microsoft Excel® format. One of the best approaches is
to take this current output implementation and use it as a close example of what
the output could be in the new system. It might be modeled, however, in a more
user-friendly and interactive manner so the user can more closely see the effects
that each pile characteristic has on the analysis.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
8
Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
7. Appendixes
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Appendix A - Current System Screenshots
Figure A.1 Instructions Worksheet of the load transfer program: General Instructions to
run analysis and variable definition
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
File name
Problem
description
General Data of the
problem and pile
characteristics
Command buttons
(explained below)
Figure A.2 General Data Worksheet of the load transfer program: Input fields (pile and
soil characteristics) and command buttons
Button for
opening
existing
project
Button for
generating
soil layers
Button for entering
Soil properties for
all layers
Button for dividing
pile into segments
Button for
setting
Pile tip
settlements
To develop the
pile load
settlement curve
Button for
saving data
of current
project
Button for
saving project
in new file
Button for
running the
program
Button for
opening
results file
Button for entering
custom load transfer
curves
Figure A.3 Command buttons of the load transfer program with their respective
functions.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Input data
Input data corresponding
Load settlement
to Run1
Curves for all runs
Figure A.4 Output data (printout of the data entered by the user and results obtained by
the program)
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Appendix B - Prototype Screenshots
Figure B.1 Initial state of the system. Notice the various sections of data entry and
output display (to the right). Also notice the tool buttons on the top of the form, which
are shortcuts to some useful functions and other program utilities.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.2 A close-up view of the tool bar referenced on figure 7.2.1. Shortcuts to
utilities like Open, Save, the Piles Cross section database, etc.
Figure B.3 Upper tool-bar. File drop-down menu is shown here.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.4 Options drop-down menu.
Figure B.5 Help drop-down menu.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.6 Help dialog-box. It appears when you click Help-> How to. It allows
choosing from a list of various help topics.
Figure B.7 About dialog-box. Help -> About us.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.8 Saving a project. File -> Save As… (Note: To save only data that has
changed from an exiting project, simply click File -> Save Data, or click Save Data on
the shortcut buttons tool bar).
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.9 Opening an existing document. File -> Open…
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Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.10 A closer look at the user data entry section.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.11 Soil data entry dialog box, accessed by clicking on the “Click to Enter Soil
Layers Data” button. Notice that the number of layers must be entered beforehand, since
the option to change it in this window is unavailable.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
20
Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.12 If the user is not familiar with the cross sectional shapes of a pile; these are
available for viewing by clicking on the shortcuts’ toolbar as shown about
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.13 Adding a new pile type to the pile cross section type data base. This feature
is accessed by clicking on the “Add Pile…” button showed on the Cross Sectional Piles
window (shown in Figure 7.2.12)
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.14 Running an analysis by clicking on the “Run Analysis” button. The system
will display the output graph on the right as shown above.
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.15 A more detailed look of the graphical output after an analysis has been run.
The top figure represents an abstraction of the pile that is being studied. The bottom
figure is the actual output graph that represents the pile deviation analysis.
By: Group 5 – Deadline Busters, Inc.
Giselle M. Bonilla, Mairim G. Ramos, María M. Rodríguez, and Carlos M. Rubert
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Project: Load Transfer Analysis of Single Axially Loaded Piles, Fall 2005
ICOM 4009: Software Engineering, Prof. Javier Arroyo
Figure B.16 Pile comparison (By clicking on the “Compare with other piles” button, see
Figure 7.2.15). The window shown above requests the characteristics for the pile that
will be compared to the original analysis run
Figure B.17 After clicking on the “Analyze and Compare”, the graphs of both piles are
displayed on the same medium, to facilitate comparison.
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