Welcome to Design Space!
After choosing the initial data entry method, the user enters the design space. The main components of the interface are identified graphically below, and then each of them is described.
Foundaxis Icon
Use this icon to return to the project space.
User Setup
Pressing the user icon displays a context menu where you can access the help page, the suggestions page, set the interface background to blank and exit the application.
Help Icon
This icon provides direct access to the FOUNDAXIS documentation and process-specific tutorials.
File Tools
Save
Save the model in its current state, it is recommended to press Save constantly while working in the interface.
Import from Structural Model
This button activates the dialog box for importing data from structural projects into major superstructure modeling software.
Design & Optimization Tools
AI-Powered Structuring of Foundations
This button activates the AI dialog box for proposing foundation structures based on entered nodes and loads. Different foundation plans are proposed using isolated, strip, or slab foundations, as appropriate. Activate this dialog box after importing your load points from a structural model.
Quick System Design
This button activates the global editing dialog for the entire foundation system. You can merge foundations, transform their types, group them, and optimize them dimensionally in a single dialog.
Optimize All Foundations
This button dimensionally optimizes the entire modeled foundation system.
Optimize by Group
This button dimensionally optimizes foundations by design groups. It is possible to create, edit, and delete groups, as well as optimize.
Optimize One Foundation
This button optimizes a single foundation at a time.
Design Steel Reinforcement
Using this button, the design parameters of steel reinforcement are set and the design is activated. In the Steel Reinforcement Design chapter, the parameters of the dialog that controls the process are described in detail.
Calculate & Verification Tools
Calculate Model
Pressing this button recalculates the pressures in foundation seals in the current state of the model.
Global Verification
Using this button, you can obtain an overview of compliance with the design parameters of all foundations, and view contact stresses for each service load combination.
Individual Verification
Using this button, you can obtain a detailed view of compliance with the design limits for a particular foundation. You can also simultaneously view forces/moments and contact stresses for each load combination analyzed, as well as the current dimensions of the foundation.
Geotechnical Analysis Tools
Soil Layers Settings
Using this button, you can configure terrains in irregular layers.
Analysis
Using this button, it is possible to start the geotechnical analysis and view pressure bulbs and resulting settlements. A differential settlement analysis is also available.
Output Result Bar
Generate Report
This button allows you to generate a complete calculation report, including design bases, limit state evaluation, steel reinforcement design, and main results of the geotechnical analysis.
Generate Drawings
This button allows you to generate detailed drawings of the foundation design carried out, which can be exported in CAD format.
Generate IFC
This button allows you to generate a standard IFC file with all the design components, including steel reinforcements. The generated file can be included in any BIM model.
New Element Bar
New Foundation
This button allows you to add/edit/delete any type of foundation to the model, whether it be single, continuous, or slab.
New Tie Beam
This button allows you to add/edit/delete tie beams to the model (only axial forces are considered in this type of beam, this affects the system only by considering lateral restraint for each foundation), it also has an automatic tie beam generator.
New Foundation Beam
This button allows you to add/edit/delete foundation beams between two existing foundations. When two foundations are joined with a foundation beam, it handles axial and shear forces and moments, behaving as a single element.
Edit Model Bar
Project Settings
This button allows you to set general project parameters, such as units, codes, and other global parameters of the model.
Detailed Foundation Editor
This button allows you to edit a foundation of any type in detail, including overall dimensions, pedestals, eccentricities, and forces.
Pedestals & Walls
This button allows you to edit pedestals and walls directly.
Loads
This button allows you to edit each load point in the model.
Model in Table Format
This button allows you to edit load point positions and loads in a tabular manner.