Mac 2000_User Manual_ENG 27/11/2001

USER’S MANUAL

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Mac 2000_User Manual_ENG 27/11/2001

1. USER’S MANUAL
The MACSTARS program version 2 (herein referred to as MACSTARS 2000), has been developed
to check the stability of reinforced soils, that is structures which provide the slope stability using
reinforcing units able to absorb the tensile stress. Furthermore this program allows conducting the
stability checks using the Limit Equilibrium Method even considering unprotected slopes.

1.1 Hardware and software configuration

Hardware Requests
Intel Pentium Processor or compatible

Software Requisite
Windows 2000
Windows NT (service pack 4)
Windows 98
Windows 95

Minimum advisable Configuration

Pentium Processor II 350
Main Memory 64 Mb
Hard disk 4 GB
Screen card 1024x768 256 colours
Windows NT 4.0
Colour printer

Program Installation
Insert the program CD-ROM, the setup program will run automatically.
If the setup program does not works run the Setup.exe in the directory Maccaferri of the CD-ROM.

Windows 95 – Windows 98
The installation program will insert in the Start, Programs menu, the wording Maccaferri with 3
buttons:
Macstars to run the program
Standards to modify the standards database
Setup to modify the installation options

Windows NT – Windows 2000

The program installation requires that the user is registered in the administrators group.
The installation program will insert in the Start, Programs menu the wording Maccaferri with the
button Setup, and in the Start, Programs menu (user) the wording Maccaferri with the buttons
Macstars and Standards.
Use the Macstars button to run the program.
Use the Standards button to modify the standards database
Use the Setup button to modify the installation options or to uninstall the user by eliminating the
wording Maccaferri from the User Start, Programs menu.
Each user must use the Setup button to create its own Maccaferri wording to enter the program, or
to modify upon its discretion the installation options.

Uninstall the program

To uninstall Macstars the user has to run Setup.exe from Start, Programs, Maccaferri menu.
The administrator can uninstall the program by running the Setup from the program CD-ROM.

Installation of the Runtime version of Microsoft Access 2000

The program for the management of the adopted International Standards has been developed with
Microsoft Access, therefore during the installation the program will check if the system has been
provided with Microsoft Access (the program requires version 8 or 9), if Microsoft Access is not
available, the program will ask the user to install Access Runtime version. However the installation

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of Access Runtime version is not required if the user doesn’t need to modify the Standards
Database.
Access can be installed by directly running the Setup program from the AccessRT directory of the
installation CD-ROM.

Installation of the DAO database support (Data Access Object)

If the DAO support is not available, the setup program will automatically install it. If it is necessary
to reinstall it, you can run the Setup.exe program from the directory Dao\Disk1 of the installation
CD-ROM.

Installation of the support for the HASP key

The setup program will automatically install this component. If for any reason it is necessary to
reinstall it, run the hinstall.exe program from the HASP directory from the installation CD_ROM by
using the option /i.
Run the hinstall.exe and use the option to eliminate the HASP Key support.

Qualification for the use of HASP key

The program is usually granted in use for a limited period of time. The expiry date of the protection
key is displayed on the Window Information on Macstars... and can be activated using the ? Menu.
If the key is expired, the user needs to:
Ask the reactivation code to the retailer providing the key serial number and the program licensee.
Open the window Information on Macstars...
Move the mouse cursor on the expiry date.
Press the mouse left button
Type in the code in the window key reactivation.

1.2 Instruction to run MACSTARS 2000

To run MACSTARS 2000 the user must select Macstars command, following the path Starts-
Programs-Maccaferri, as shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 1

By entering Macstars, a design selection window, fig. 2, will be displayed.

By picking on the option File the user can define a new project by selecting the option New or
open an existing project by picking on the option Open.

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Fig. 2

The user can also define the printer parameters, as shown in fig.3.

Fig. 3

The option View enables the user to activate or deactivate (fig.4):

Fig. 4

Toolbar:, that is the rapid command shown in the upper edge of the window
Status bar: that is the line showing the active command

The selection of a new project as shown in fig. 2 , involves the selection of the Reference
Standards to be adopted to conduct the design stability checks on the project and relevant section
to develop (fig. 5). The user can select None or one of the available Reference Standards.

Fig. 5

Should the user select the option None, the program will automatically deactivate the fields to
define the partial coefficients (multiplier class) in the points which will be described in detail further
down.
Once the Reference Standard has been selected through the pull-down menu , a window, as
shown in fig. 6, will be displayed.

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Fig. 6

The upper edge of the window will show the available commands which will be described one by
one in the following paragraphs.
The main pull-down menu is displayed in the upper edge along with a scale factor which can be
used to have a better view of the drawing of the geometry to analyse. The pull-down menu will
allow the user to adopt pre-fixed values (75, 100, 125), but also with the option to vary these
values.
The drawing of the problem’s geometry is displayed in the centre area of this window, along with a
symbol (flat symbol = no seismic forces, waved symbol = presence of seismic forces) relevant to
the presence of seismic forces in the upper left corner; whereas the ordinate axis is displayed
along the left edge, the axis of the abscissa is displayed along the lower edge, and from this point
the project section is displayed along with the main title line which indicates the value of the co-
ordinates of the mouse’s cursor
The management of the graphic representation of the drawing (scale, zoom, modify origin,
restoration) is illustrated in appendix 1.

1.3 File Menu

By picking on the option File, the user can select one of the following options (fig. 7):

Fig. 7

New: to create a new project

Open: to open an existing project, for which the user must provide some preliminary data (directory
and file name)

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Close: to close the project file which is currently being used

Save: to save the project being used
Save as: to save the project with a new name, in order not to loose the previous one
Save as text file: to save the project geometry according to a pre-determined text format
Save block scheme: to save the input data relevant to the blocks and reinforcing units
Export graph: to change the graph into a .emf format
Save windows: to save the active windows
Print: to print the project being used
Print Preview: to re-view the project pages before printing them
Print setup: to modify the printer parameters
Exit: to exit the project

1.4 Edit Menu

By selecting the option Edit of the main window, the user can change the following data: (Fig.8):

Page format: this option allows to change the sheet format, feeding, orientation, margins and the
printer’s parameters

Scale: It allows the user to define the drawing scale or to select the option for the automatic
definition of the drawing scale, to type in a positive value of the drawing origin; to centre the
drawing within the abscissa and ordinate by altering the origin value.

Fig. 8

Units: it allows to change the measurement unit of the forces as well as the project’s parameters
which are being used (kN, m according to the International System or Kg, m according to the
Technical System or lb, ft according to the Imperial System)
Language: this option allows to select the language in which to print the calculation report

1.5 View Menu

By selecting the option View of the main window, the user can change the following data: (Fig.9):

Fig. 9

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Toolbar: it is used to activate and deactivate the main menu commands

Status bar: it allows activating or deactivating the Main Title Line
Soil color: it allows activating and deactivating the graphical representation of the soils by the
relevant colours, listed in the legend.
Piezometric surface: It activates or deactivates the graphical representation of the phreatic surface
levels by the relevant colours, listed in the legend
Soil Legend: it activates or deactivates the legend of the type of soils and the phreatic surface
levels
Block Legend: it activates or deactivates the legend relevant to the blocks
Blocks: It activates or deactivates the graphical representation of the blocks by the relevant
colours, listed in the legend
Grid: It activates or deactivates the graphical representation of the grid of the axis’ main reference
points

1.6 Input data Menu

By selecting the option Input Data of the main window, the user can modify the following data (fig.
10):

Fig. 10

1.6.1Delete results:
This option must be used when the user wishes to change any project data that have been used to
conduct the stability analysis; therefore before changing any data the user must delete the results
of all the stability checks that have been carried out; if no checks have been conducted this option
is automatically deactivated.

1.6.2 About Project:

It allows to define (for the first time) or to modify the existing project data (fig. 11) which are
displayed in the graphs and printed in the stability check’s printing report; the field Date is filled in
automatically and it refers to the project creation date.

Fig. 11

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1.6.3 Soil properties:

It allows the user to define the soils input data (fig. 12) and in particular:

Fig. 12

1. Label: code displayed in the legend which identifies the soil

2. Description: It is the text which describes the analysed soil
3. Soil parameters for settlement calculation: this option allows to open a new window (fig. 13) in
which the user must type in the soil failure input data
4. Colour: this option allows to select the colour to be used for the soil’s graphical representation.
5. Cohesion: it is the value of the cohesion (pressure)
6. Friction angle: it is the value of the friction angle expressed in degrees
7. Ru: value of the interstitial pressure parameter
8. Multiplier Class for friction: It allows to select from the pull-down menu the multiplier class to be
used for the friction angle.
9. Bulk unit weight: it allows to type in the weights and volume in natural conditions (above the
water table) or in conditions of complete saturation (below water table)
10. Multiplier Class (for the unit weight): It allows to select from the pull-down menu the multiplier
class to be used for the unit weight.

The elastic parameters, required to conduct the settlement calculation (fig. 13), depend upon the
type of soil selected.

Fig. 13

If the user selects a cohesive soil (by choosing the relevant click box) the elastic parameters are:
Coefficient of primary compression, Coefficient of re-compression, Skempton A parameter; Alpha
parameter; pre-consolidation pressure

If the user selects an incoherent soil (by choosing the relevant option) the relevant parameters are:
Elastic Modulus, Poisson coefficient.

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For the meaning of the above parameters the user must refer to the MACSTARS 2000 reference
manual.

1.6.4 Strata geometry:

This option allows to define the stratigraphic profiles both in terms of soil geometry and type of soil
underneath. The required parameters are (fig. 14):

1. Label: code displayed in the legend which identifies the layer analysed
2. Description: It is the text which describes the layer analysed
3. Co-ordinates Table: It is the table representing the co-ordinates X and Y of the points which
form the layer analysed (refer to appendix 2 for the table management)
4. Bedrock: this option allows to define the layer as geometric boundary to any potential sliding
surface since the material underneath is lithoid with high resistance characteristics
5. Soil: It allows to define the type of soil located underneath the stratigraphic profile analysed
(that is the bedrock); the soil type can be selected by using the relevant initials and the
program automatically will report the relevant description.

Fig. 14

1.6.5 Piezometric surface:

This option allows to define the different piezometric levels within the soils’ geometry. The data
required are (fig. 15)
1. Label: it is an identification code of the phreatic surface profile
2. Description: It is the text which describes the profile analysed
3. Table of Co-ordinates and pressures: It is a table which shows the co-ordinates X and Y of the
points which form the upper profile (usually the free water level) of the phreatic surface level, a
second value of Y relevant to the inferior limit of validity of the phreatic surface in the point
having co-ordinate X to be used only in the case of suspended phreatic surfaces, the value of
the pressure p in correspondence of the free water surface in the case of phreatic surfaces
under pressure; such a value involves an increase in the interstitial pressures in all points
underneath.
The colour button to select the colour for the graphic representation of the phreatic surface

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Fig. 15

1.6.6 Blocks:
This option allows to define the blocks forming the reinforced soil structure to design. This section
consists of 6 windows. The first window (fig. 16) allows the user to define or modify a retaining
block. The required input data are:

Label: it is an identification code of the block.

Fig. 16

The buttons displayed below, allow the user, to select the retaining block to modify and move to
the following window (Modify button), select a new retaining block by opening the next window
where the user can digit in the relevant parameters (New button), to eliminate the retaining block
analysed (Delete button), to provide new initials to identify the block (Rename button), ask for
further information (? Button), to exit the blocks section to return to the main window (Exit button).
The user can enter the next window (Dimensions, fig. 17) by picking on either the Modify or New
buttons of the previous window (fig. 16). The fields to fill in, are:

Segmental wall: This option, when selected, allows to define the structural elements installed to
reinforce the wall external face. If this is the case, the user has to input the value of the friction
angle existing between the facing units and the reinforcements

The input data required for the reinforcing units are:

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Manufacturer: the name of the company which manufactures the type of reinforcing unit (datum to
be selected from the available list)
Product Family: the type of reinforcing unit (datum to be selected from the available list, depending
on the selected Manufacturer)
Product Model: name of the reinforcing unit (datum to be selected from the available list,
depending on the Manufacturer and type of reinforcing unit selected)
Reinforcement Length: total horizontal length of the reinforcing unit (without wrapping)
Spacing: vertical interval between the reinforcing units; for some models (i.e. gabions and
Terramesh) this datum will be given automatically by the software.
Wrapped length: it is the reinforcing unit folded upper portion touching the upper unit; for some
models (i.e. gabions and Terramesh) this datum will be given automatically by the software.

The next input data are relevant to the block geometry:

Lying over block: this is the field where the user has to type in the label identifying the block over
which the analysed block is installed.
External facing inclination: value in degrees of the angle between the vertical and the front face (a
value equal to 0 identifies a block with a vertical front face)
Hill side: it indicates if the block’s back is placed to the right or to the left with respect to the front
face; in the first case the reinforcing units are oriented from the front face towards the increasing
abscissa; in the second case towards the decreasing abscissa
Block origin: abscissa and ordinate of the block’s lower left corner (in the case of rightward
orientation) or right (in the case of leftward orientation); if the block is lying over another block, the
value to type in is the backing towards the slope of the block’s lower left corner with respect to the
lower left corner of the block underneath.
Block dimensions: the user has to input the block’s width (along the abscissa axis) and height
(along the ordinate axis).

Fig. 17

The Show Reinforcement Database button allows the user to read the database and all the
parameters relevant to each reinforcement. The user cannot modify the values.

List of reinforcements Physical parameters

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Safety factors Soil-reinforcement interaction factors

The next window requires the user to type in all data relevant to the soils forming the block. The
data required (fig. 18) are:

Fig. 18

Class of structural embankment: the user can select for the soil used as structural embankment
between gravel, silty sand and sandy clay; this selection shall be effected in order to allow the
program to determine the friction parameter between reinforcing unit and soil among the standard
value available.

Backfill soil: selection of the initials which identify the type of soil between the block rear profile and
the slope original profile or the digging profile

Block Covering soil: selection of the initials which identify the type of covering soil

Block Foundation soil: selection of the initials which identify the type of block’s foundation soil that
is the type of soil, different from the foundation natural soil, laid under the block

Gabion filling soil: selection of the initials which identify the type of soil used to fill the gabions; this
field will be activated only in the case of gabion retaining walls.

The next window (fig. 19) refers to the covering soil, that is the definition of the soil profile over the
block

The user is required to provide the profile co-ordinates as specified in appendix 2

In providing the profile co-ordinates the user must refer to the local system and consider co-
ordinates origin the block’s downhill upper corner; the abscissas axis extending rightward or
leftward depending on the block’s orientation (fig. 17) and the ordinates axis extending upward.
The program will automatically provide the first point of null co-ordinates. The last segment of the
profile must intersect the soil original profile or the digging profile.

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Fig. 19

The next window (fig. 20) refers to the foundation, that is the definition of the excavation soil profile
before the installation of the retaining wall

The user is required to provide the profile co-ordinates as specified in appendix 2

In providing the profile co-ordinates the user must refer to the local system and consider co-
ordinates origin the block’s downhill upper corner; the abscissas axis extending rightward or
leftward depending on the block’s orientation (fig. 17) and the ordinates axis extending upward.
The program will automatically provide the first point of null co-ordinates. The last segment of the
profile must intersect the soil original profile or the digging profile.

Fig. 20

The next window (fig. 21) refers to the design reinforcing units added to the front face reinforcing
units. These elements are horizontal without the upper folding tail and must be longer than the
front face units. The user is allowed to consider different orders with different characteristics

The user is required to provide the following input data for each order of reinforcing units:

Manufacturer: name of the company that produces the type of reinforcing unit considered (to be
selected in the list available)

Product Family: type of reinforcing unit (to be selected in the list available, depending on the
manufacturer selected)

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Product Model: the model of reinforcing unit (to be selected in the list available, depending on the
manufacturer and the type of reinforcing unit selected)

Length: total length of the reinforcing unit

Fig. 21

Offset: vertical distance between the first reinforcing unit and the base of the block, that is the
elevation relevant to the base of the block of the first reinforcing unit

Vertical spacing: vertical interval between the reinforcing units

For each page the user can provide up to three orders of reinforcing units. If this number is not
sufficient, by pressing the > Forward button, the user can move to a new window which will be
made available as soon as all data relevant to the three standard orders have been typed in.

1.6.7 Loads:
This window allows the user to define the type of loads acting on the retaining wall (fig. 22), that is
the forces, pressures, tiebacks (anchorage), seismic loads.

Fig. 22

By selecting the option Concentrated loads, a window will open (Fig. 23) which will require the user
to type in the following data:

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Fig. 23

1. Label: the force identification code

2. Description: the text describing the above force
3. Type: the type of load (linear load, point load, repeated load); the linear load acts longitudinally
with respect to the slope and becomes a point load in the transversal section; the point load is
an isolated load which acts both longitudinally and transversally; the repeated load is a load
which repeats at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction with respect to the slope.
4. Intensity: it is the value of the load applied
5. Acting angle: it is the value of the load inclination expressed in degrees with respect to the
vertical; it is a positive value in the case of counter-clock direction
6. Abscissa: it is the value of the abscissa where the load is acting
7. Load base: It refers only to the repeated loads and it is the interaxis between the point loads
which repeats in the longitudinal direction with respect to the slope
8. Multiplier Class: It allows to select from the pull-down menu the multiplier class to be used for
the loads.

By selecting the option Distributed, a window will open (Fig. 24) which will require the user to type
in the following data:

Fig. 24

1. Label: the identification code of the load

2. Description: the text describing the above force
3. Intensity: it is the value of the load applied
4. Acting angle: it is the value of the load inclination expressed in degrees with respect to the
vertical; it is a positive value in the case of counter-clock direction
5. Loaded range: it is the value of the abscissas where the load is acting
6. Multiplier Class: It allows to select from the pull-down menu the multiplier class to use for the
value of the loads.

By selecting the option tiebacks, a window will open (Fig. 25) which will require the user to type in
the following data:

1. Label: the force identification code

2. Description: the text describing the above force
3. Length: it is the tieback total length

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Fig. 25

Anchor force: it is the value of the dragging force due to the tiebacks
Direction angle: it is the value of the load inclination expressed in degrees with respect to the
vertical; it is a positive value in the case of counter-clock direction
Load base: It refers only to the repeated loads and it is the interaxis between the point loads which
repeats in the longitudinal direction with respect to the slope

Abscissa: it is the value of the abscissa X where the load is acting; it can be omitted if the value of
the ordinate is provided
Ordinate: it is the value of the ordinate Y where the load is acting; it can be omitted if the value of
the abscissa is provided
Multiplier Class: It allows to select from the pull-down menu the multiplier class to use for the value
of the loads.

By selecting the option Seismic action, a window will open (Fig. 26) which will require the user to
type in the following data:

Fig. 26

Horizontal: it is the value of the horizontal acceleration, which is positive in the case of downhill
direction
Vertical: it is the value of the vertical acceleration, which is positive in the case of uphill direction

1.6.8 Reference Standards

This option allows to select (fig. 27) the Reference Standards to be used for the stability analysis
and relevant section. It is possible to select the option None or one of the available Reference
Standards. The selection of the “None” option involves the disactivation of the fields relevant to the
partial coefficients (multiplier class). If on the contrary a Reference Standard is selected the user
has to define the Section of the Reference Standard to adopt by using the pull-down menu.

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Fig. 27

1.7 Data Processing Menu

By selecting the option Process of the main window, a window (Fig. 28) will open displaying the
following Menu: Stability Analysis (it allows to provide the data of any of the design stability
checks), Calculate (It runs the check using the design and stability checks data provided), Report
(it generates a Word type file and displaying it on the screen), Results (displays on the screen the
calculation results)

Fig. 28

1.7.1 Stability Analysis

The selection of the option Check against activates the next menu (fig. 28) to allow the user to
select the stability checks to conduct. The program can run the following stability checks:

Given surface stability analysis

Internal stability analysis
Overall stability analysis
Check against sliding
Check as retaining wall
Check against settlements

Given surface: The selection of this option allows to conduct the stability analysis of a slope or a
retaining wall, when the potential sliding surfaces is known. By selecting this option the above
window (fig. 29) will be displayed, where the user has to type in the following data:

Fig. 29

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Calculation Method: It is the selection relevant to the method to be used; it can be rigid or with
displacements. In this last case the reinforcing unit can be subject to an assigned displacement or
incremental displacement (see the Reference Manual)
Surface: it defines the type of surface (circular or polygonal)
Janbu or Bishop: this button activates the calculation method selected (the option Bishop can be
selected only in the case of circular surface)
Co-ordinates table: Abscissa X and Ordinate Y of the points which define the sliding surface
starting from the downhill extreme edge; the co-ordinates table shall be used as described in
enclosure 1

If the user activates the displacements method automatically the program will open an additional
window depending on the displacement method selected
In the case of incremental displacements (fig. 30) the user is required to provide the value of the
calculation maximum average strain as well as the safety factor.

Fig. 30

In the case of Assigned displacements (fig. 31) the user must provide the value of the deformation
to be used during the calculation.

Fig. 31

Internal stability: The selection of this option allows to conduct the stability analysis of one or more
blocks of the design retaining wall, and searches for the surface which provides the minimum
safety factor. The first window displayed (fig. 32) will require the user to type in the following data:

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Fig. 32

Method: It is the selection relevant to the reinforcing unit behaviour; it can be rigid or bending
behaviour. In this last case the reinforcing unit can be subject to an assigned displacement or
incremental displacement (see the Reference Manual)

Surface: it defines the type of surface (circular or random polygonal)

Janbu or Bishop: this button activates the calculation method selected (the option Bishop can be
selected only in the case of circular surface)

Block: the selection of the block to analyse (the potential sliding surfaces initiate from the lower
downhill corner of the block)

Connected blocks: by selecting this option the user can run the stability check on both the block
selected and the blocks above

Range of the surface termination point: It is a couple of co-ordinates X which defines the geometry
section where the potential sliding surfaces have to terminate.

The user will be required to provide additional data as displayed in the next window (fig. 33)
relevant to the Search Parameters:

Fig. 33

Segment Length: It is the length of the segment which form the sliding surface

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Counter-clock limit angle: It is the value of the angle (always positive) which subtended to the front
face direction, yields the direction of the upper limit for the generation of the first segment of the
sliding surface; the program will consider a value of 5° if both angles are null.
Clockwise limit angle: it is the value of the angle (positive or negative) which yields the minimum
inclination of the first segment of the sliding surface; the program will consider a value of -45° if
both angles are null.
Number of trial surfaces: It is the number of the trial surface to generate
If the user utilises the displacements method by picking on the “Forward” button the program will
open an additional window (figs. 30 and 31) where the user is required to type in the calculation
maximum deformation and the value of the safety coefficient (only for the incremental
displacement method).

Global stability: The selection of this option allows to conduct the overall stability analysis of a
reinforced or non-reinforced slope, and searches for the surface which provides the minimum
safety factor. The first window displayed (fig. 34) will require the user to type in the following data:

Fig. 34

Method: It is the selection relevant to the reinforcing unit behaviour; it can be rigid or bending
behaviour. In this last case the reinforcing unit can be subject to an assigned displacement or
incremental displacement (see the Reference Manual)

Surface: it defines the type of surface (circular or polygonal)

Janbu or Bishop: this button activates the calculation method selected (the option Bishop can be
selected only in the case of circular surface)
Range of the surface initiation point: It is a couple of co-ordinates X which defines the geometry
section where the potential sliding surfaces have to initiate (downhill edge).
Range of the surface termination point: It is a couple of co-ordinates X which defines the geometry
section where the potential sliding surfaces have to terminate (uphill edge).

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Fig. 35

The user will be required to provide additional data as displayed in the above window (fig. 35)
relevant to the Search Parameters:

Segment Length: It is the length of the segment which form the sliding surface
Counter-clock limit angle: It is the value of the angle (always positive) which subtended to the front
face direction, yields the direction of the upper limit for the generation of the first segment of the
sliding surface; the program will consider a value of 5° if both angles are null.
Clockwise limit angle: it is the value of the angle (positive or negative) which yields the minimum
inclination of the first segment of the sliding surface; the program will consider a value of -45° if
both angles are null.
Number of trial surfaces: It is the number of the trial surface to generate
Number of surface initiation points: the number of initiation points (equidistant in the initiation
segment) of the surfaces

If the user utilises the displacement method by picking on the “Forward” button the program will
open an additional window (figs. 30 and 31) where the user is required to type in the calculation
maximum deformation and the value of the safety coefficient (only for the incremental
displacement method).

Sliding stability: The selection of this option allows to conduct the check against sliding of the block
over the foundation soil or over another block. The first window displayed (fig. 36) will require the
user to type in the following data:

Fig. 36

Block: the user must select the block whose base has be checked against sliding
Interface between block and soil: definition of the parameters of resistance (friction angle and
cohesion), to be used to conduct the check against sliding at the base of the block considered.

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Wall checks: The selection of this option allows to conduct the stability check of a block or a group
of blocks considered as a monolithic retaining wall. The first window displayed (fig. 37) will require
the user to type in the following data:

Fig. 37

Block: the user must select the block to analyze (the wall will include all block superimposed to the
block selected
Max. allowable pressure: it is the value of the ultimate pressure (failure pressure) at the base of the
block analyzed; a null value of this parameter, will automatically run the calculation of the
foundation bearing capacity without requiring additional input data.

Settlement: The selection of this option allows to conduct the stability check against the
settlements. The first window displayed (fig. 38) will require the user to type in the following data:

Fig. 38

Abscissa: value of the abscissa of the vertical along which the program shall run the calculation
Polygonal: the table showing the co-ordinates X and Y of the points of the load profile, that is the
line above which the soil is subject to the load action whereas the soil underneath fails; the
program will automatically submit to the user the option which corresponds to the natural soil
original profile, before the installation of the retaining work. The user can accept this option or can
modify it; this operation must be conducted as described in appendix 2

1.7.2 Calculate
By selecting the option Calculate, the program will conduct the stability analysis previously defined.

Before running the stability check of the structure as a Retaining wall, the program will determine
the mean inclination of the wall backfill, that is the wall inclination of the side facing (against the
slope); if this inclination is smaller than 70°, the program will inform the user that (fig. 39) the wall

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does not meet the required condition and will ask the user to press the OK button to proceed with
the calculation or the End/Cancel button to interrupt the calculation.

Fig. 39

During the calculation procedure, the program will show the calculation progression in percentage.
Once the calculation ends, the program will automatically display the calculation results on the
screen as follows:

Given surface stability: safety coefficient of the surface considered and graphic representation of
the problem’s geometry and of the shape of the surface

Internal stability: minimum safety coefficient of the surface considered and graphic representation
of the problem’s geometry and of all surfaces which have the safety coefficient included between
the minimum value and 1.2 times the minimum safety coefficient

Overall stability: minimum safety coefficient of the surface considered and graphic representation
of the problem’s geometry and of all surfaces which have the safety coefficient included between
the minimum value and 1.2 times the minimum safety coefficient

Check against sliding: safety coefficient against sliding of the surface considered and graphic
representation of the problem’s geometry and of all surfaces which have the safety coefficient
included between the minimum value and 1.2 times the minimum safety coefficient

Wall check: safety coefficient against sliding of the surface considered and graphic representation
of the problem’s geometry and of all surfaces which have the safety coefficient included between
the minimum value and 1.2 times the minimum safety coefficient

Settlement: value of the failure and graphic representation of the problem’s geometry, calculation
vertical and shape of the soil forming the load

1.7.3 Report
By selecting the option Report, the program will generate a report which summarises all design
and the stability analysis input data as well as the results of the stability check. The report will be
generated as a Word open file and displayed in a new window (fig. 40). It can be modified or saved
according to Wordpad characteristics.

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Fig. 40

1.7.3 Results
By selecting the option Results, the user can display on the screen the results of the stability
analysis conducted. The results, depending upon the stability analysis conducted are illustrated
here under.

For the Given surface, Internal stability and Overall stability, the program displays the results in two
different windows:

The first window (fig. 41) shows the results in terms of minimum safety coefficient (FS min). The
value FS max allows to define the value of the max. safety coefficient in order to display on the
screen all surfaces having a safety coefficient included between FS min. and FS max (this value
has no relevance to run the surface stability analysis). The displayed value FS max is equal to FS
min plus 20% and can be modified by the user.

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Fig. 41

According to the incremental displacement method the value of Fs min considered is the lowest
between all the maximum safety coefficients calculated (one for each circular surface)

In the stability analysis conducted using the displacement method, the program provides also (fig.
42) the value of the deformation assigned (assigned displacement method) or the value of the
deformation which yields a value of Fs min (incremental displacement method)

Fig. 42

The second window (figs. 43 and 44) shows the results of the crossed reinforcing unit tensional
state. In this window the user must select the option Block Initials, that is the initials of the block for
which he wishes to display the results; then he must select the family of the reinforcing unit by
selecting: Manufacturer, Family, Model.

The program will display a list of value which is different depending on the calculation method
adopted (rigid, assigned displacement or incremental displacements); in all the above three cases
Y represents the elevation of the reinforcing unit, whereas for the tensional state, that is the ratio
between the force acting on the reinforcing element and the reinforcing element tensile stress, we
have:

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Rigid model or model with assigned displacement (fig. 43): F max equal to the tensional state
relevant to the surface which yields the minimum value of the safety coefficient;

Fig. 43

Model with incremental displacement (fig. 44):

Fig. 44

F max, tensional state relevant to the failure surface which yields the minimum safety coefficient
(Fs min)
d(%)= …, tensional state relevant to the failure surface which yields the minimum safety coefficient
(Fs min) with the maximum input deformation assigned by the user
Fs = …, envelope of the maximum tensional states relevant to all the failure surfaces under the
condition which yields the safety coefficient provided by the user
Fs =1, envelope of the maximum tensional states relevant to all the failure surfaces under the
condition which yields the safety coefficient equal to 1.

For the wall check analysis, the program displays the results in two different windows. The first
window (fig. 45) shows the analysis results in terms of:

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Fig. 45

Horizontal force: maximum thrust acting on the wall

Safety coefficient: safety coefficient against sliding
Moment: maximum unstabilizing moment
Safety coefficient: safety coefficient against overturning
Pressure: equivalent mean pressure
Safety coefficient: safety coefficient against the bearing capacity

The second window (fig. 46) allows the user display the thrust calculation surfaces in relation to an
interval of safety coefficient.

Fig. 46

The program displays the minimum value, FS min, among the safety coefficients calculated (limit
equilibrium) and a maximum value FS max, of the safety coefficient, equal to 1.20 times FS min
which can be modified by the user.

Fig. 46 bis

In this dialog box two tables are displayed; the first shows the number correspondent analyzed slip
surface and the related Safety Factor. When a cell from that table is selected, the adjoining table
will be filled in with the coordinates that define this analyzed surface.
The surfaces whose Safety Factor is below the value imposed before to run the stability analysis in
the dialog box Stability Analisys , are highlighted in purple color.

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Clicking on the export button the user can save the analyzed surfaces in a text file.
When, during the calculation, for one or more surfaces the program has not been able to calculate
the their Safety Factor, the word NC will be displayed into the related cell; that condition usually
takes place when the acting forces are such that an uphill movement would be caused (hiper-
stable slope).

For the Check against sliding, the program displays the results in two different windows.

The first window (fig. 47) shows the analysis results in terms of:

Fig. 47

Horizontal force: maximum thrust acting on the wall

Safety coefficient: safety coefficient against sliding

The other 2 windows are similar to the ones displayed for the retaining wall stability analysis (fig.
45)

For the Settlement Check, the program displays the results as shown in fig. 48 providing the
settlement due to overlaying soil and overloads on the given surface

Fig. 48

1.8 Window Menu

By selecting the option Window from the Main Menu (fig. 49) the user can chose between a
number of options which apply to the file being used.
The options available are the following:

Fig. 49

New Window: this option allows the user to create a new window to visualize the drawing of the
design analised. Each drawing page of the same document can refer to a different stability
analysis. The different drawing pages with the relevant stability checks can be saved along with the
document if the option Save Windows of the file menu has been activated.
Cascade: by selecting this option the drawing pages are laid one over the other and keeping
visible the titles of the windows.

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Tile horizontal: it allows the user to place the drawing pages one next to the other dividing the
screen in horizontal lines each one showing a design
Tile Vertical: it allows the user to place the drawing pages one next to the other dividing the screen
in vertical lines each one showing a design
Arrange icons: this option allows to arrange the buttons of the drawing pages whose dimensions
have been reduced by picking on the button located on the window right corner.
Window 1,2,.. By selecting this option the user can visualize the corresponding drawing page. This
option is particularly useful when the user needs to bring foreground the window which is
completely covered by other windows.

1.9 Menu ?
By picking on ? on the main Menu the user can select the option Information on Macstars which
allows the user to enter the window which provides all the information relevant to the program and
the licensee. The dialog window shows the program version, the expiry date of the key, and the
name of the registered company.
In case the licence is expired please contact Maccaferri to get the Rehabilitation code, then double
click with the left button of the mouse on the expiring date field and type the code (fig. 50).
In case the licence is expired please contact OM to get the Rehabilitation code, then double click
with the left button of the mouse on the expiring date field and type in the rehabilitation code in the
new box.

Fig. 50

Then click on the OK button and Macstars 2000 will be working

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