There is a new feature in SSAB’s design tool RRPileCalc, which enables dimensioning of the pile based on required design resistance. The program searches the lightest pile dimension to fulfill the given design resistance required from the pile. Search feature can be used with micropiles and large diameter piles. In search feature the structure of the pile can be designed as a steel structure (an empty pile) or it can be filled with concrete (without reinforcement and inner pipe).

RRPileCalc has a settled status as a design tool for piles

Since the introduction of the RRPileCalc in 2013, its use has grown steadily especially in Finland, Sweden and Norway. With the program the design of SSAB’s steel pipe piles becomes easy. It uses Eurocodes to calculate the design resistance of piles. The geotechnical resistance of the pile tip and the structural buckling resistance of the pile shaft are considered. The users of the RRPileCalc are usually geotechnical and structural designers.

Wide area of design possibilities

RRPileCalc design tool covers the National Annexes of Finland, Sweden and Norway. Also other national design rules are built inside the program. For example the calculation of the buckling resistance of the pile shaft, which is not covered by Eurocodes, is done by these national regulations.
All SSAB’s pile sizes RR75…RR/RD1200 are included in the program. Also all steel grades available for the piles can be used in the program. The structure of the pile can be designed as a steel structure (empty steel pipe pile), a concrete filled steel pipe (without composite effect), a composite structure with or without reinforcement bars and a composite structure with an inner steel pipe.

Advanced FEM for more accurate analyzing

If the behavior of the pile needs to be analyzed more accurately, there is also an Advanced FEM feature in the RRPileCalc. In Advanced FEM the soil around the pile can be modeled in several layers. Also the type of spring models of the soil can be more advanced non-linear type (depending on the national regulations). Advanced FEM also enables different types of loads for the pile. Besides the usual vertical load, also horizontal load and moment are possible. Lateral displacements of the pile, moments and shear forces for the pile and lateral soil pressure can be printed as graphs after the Advanced FEM analyze.

Design tool is offered for free to designers and our customers

RRPileCalc can be downloaded from www.ssab.com/infra. The program is free, but it needs to be registered for full functionality.
Use of the program and interpretation of the results requires the user to have sufficient expertise. SSAB and the program's author are not responsible for any errors in the program or direct or indirect damages caused by incorrect application of the results of the program.

Examples of RRPileCalc printouts