Q1. Is this course only for Settle3 users? What if I use different settlement-analysis software?

No. This course is not designed exclusively for Settle3 users.

The course begins with the fundamental principles of settlement analysis, including:

• Settlement mechanisms

• Stress distribution

• Soil-parameter selection

• Manual calculation methods

• Immediate settlement

• Consolidation settlement

• Creep and secondary compression

• Allowable settlement criteria

• Modulus of subgrade reaction

• Ground-improvement methods

• Interpretation and reporting of settlement results

These principles are largely independent of any particular software package.

Settle3 is used to demonstrate how settlement-analysis concepts can be applied in practical models. However, the theoretical understanding, modelling approach, parameter-selection methods, and engineering judgment developed through the course can also be applied when using other settlement-analysis software.

Q2. Why is Settle3 used in this course?

Settle3 is used because it is a specialized three-dimensional settlement and consolidation analysis program that allows participants to model a wide range of practical geotechnical scenarios.

Throughout the course, Settle3 is used to demonstrate applications involving:

• Shallow foundations

• Embankments and applied fills

• Excavations and unloading

• Layered soil profiles

• Immediate and consolidation settlement

• Time-dependent settlement

• Construction staging

• Ground-improvement methods

• Settlement contours and differential settlement

Approximately 22 practical examples are included to help participants understand many of the software’s principal features.

The objective is not simply to teach participants where to click. The course explains the theory behind the models, how to select appropriate inputs, how to recognize questionable assumptions, and how to interpret the results using engineering judgment.

Rocscience currently offers the option to request a free Settle3 trial through its official website. The availability, duration, eligibility requirements, and terms of the trial are determined solely by Rocscience and may change.

Q3. Does The Geotechnicals provide Settle3 licences to course participants?

No. The Geotechnicals does not provide Settle3 licences and does not have a software-licensing agreement with Rocscience.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own access to Settle3 if they wish to complete the software demonstrations and exercises.

Depending on their circumstances, participants may use:

• An existing personal or employer-provided licence

• Access provided by their university or educational institution

• A trial licence requested directly from Rocscience, where available

• Another suitable settlement-analysis program for independently applying the theoretical concepts

Any trial licence is provided and administered directly by Rocscience. Its availability, duration, approval, and conditions are outside the control of The Geotechnicals.

Because all course content becomes available immediately after registration, participants planning to use a time-limited trial are encouraged to first review the proposed learning strategy and identify the software-based lessons before activating the trial.

Q4. How do I receive my Certificate of Completion?

To receive your Certificate of Completion, you must:

• Complete the required course videos and learning activities

• Complete the course assignment

• Email your completed assignment to info@thegeotechnicals.com

Once your submission has been reviewed and verified, your digital Certificate of Completion will be sent to the email address used during registration.

You do not need to complete the course within four weeks to qualify for the certificate. The proposed four-week learning strategy is provided only to help you organize your studies.

You may request your certificate at any time during your course-access period after completing the required assignment.

Q5. Can I communicate with the course instructor during the course?

Yes. Although the course is self-paced, you are welcome to contact the instructor with academic or technical questions related to the course.

You may email your questions to:

info@thegeotechnicals.com

You may also leave a comment directly under any course video. Dr. Ahmed ElMouchi will review and respond to course-related questions as soon as reasonably possible.

Please note that response times may vary depending on the nature of the question and the instructor’s professional commitments.

Q6. Is this course accredited for CPD hours?

The course includes approximately 20 hours of documented learning content.

Your Certificate of Completion and the documented course hours may be used toward Continuing Professional Development, or CPD, reporting, subject to the rules and approval requirements of your local professional or regulatory body.

CPD requirements differ between jurisdictions and professional organizations. Participants are responsible for confirming whether the course and its documented hours qualify under the requirements applicable to their professional registration.

Q7. Will I receive lifetime access to the course videos?

Your initial enrollment includes immediate access to all available course videos, Settle3 examples, and supporting learning materials for one year from the date of registration.

The course content is not released gradually. You may access any available lesson from the beginning and follow the proposed four-week learning strategy or study at your own pace.

After the initial one-year access period expires, you may contact The Geotechnicals Team and request to be added to an available future round of the same course at no additional course-enrollment fee.

This arrangement may therefore be considered similar to lifetime access, provided that:

• You contact The Geotechnicals Team when you wish to regain access

• The course continues to be offered

• A future course round is available

Renewed access is not activated automatically. Its timing may depend on the schedule and availability of future course rounds.

Q8. What if I am unable to complete the course within one year?

The initial one-year access period is intended to provide participants with sufficient time to complete the course while encouraging steady progress.

However, we understand that project deadlines, changing workloads, travel, family responsibilities, and other professional or personal commitments may delay your studies.

If you are unable to complete the course within the initial one-year period, please contact The Geotechnicals Team at:

info@thegeotechnicals.com

We will add you to the next available round of the same course at no additional course-enrollment fee so that you can continue your learning and complete the course at your own pace.

Please note that:

• Renewed access is not automatic

• You must contact The Geotechnicals Team to request it

• Renewed access will be provided through an available future round

• Its timing may depend on the schedule and availability of future rounds

• The arrangement applies only to the participant who originally registered for the course