Q1. Is this course only for RSPile users? What if I use different software for axial pile analysis?

No. This course is not exclusively for RSPile users.

The course teaches the fundamental principles of axial pile analysis, including:

• Axial load-transfer mechanisms

• Shaft and toe resistance

• Compression and tension resistance

• Bored and driven pile behaviour

• Manual calculation methods

• Pile settlement

• Pile-group behaviour

• Negative skin friction and downdrag

• Interpretation of pile-load tests

• Factored geotechnical resistance

• Practical design and reporting considerations

These principles are largely independent of any particular software package.

RSPile is used to demonstrate how the theoretical concepts and analytical methods can be implemented in practical models. However, the technical understanding, parameter-selection methods, manual calculations, modelling approach, and engineering judgment developed through the course can also be applied when using other axial pile-analysis tools, including APile, SHAFT, GROUP, AllPile, and custom calculation spreadsheets.

Please note that the features, assumptions, and calculation methods vary between different programs. You should always understand and verify the methodology used by your selected software.

Q2. Why is RSPile used in this course?

RSPile is used because it provides a practical platform for analysing axially loaded single piles and pile groups under a variety of soil, pile, and loading conditions.

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

• Bored and driven piles

• Cohesive and cohesionless soils

• Compression and tension loading

• Shaft and toe resistance

• Load-transfer behaviour

• Load-settlement response

• Single piles and pile groups

• Different axial resistance methods

• Sensitivity to pile geometry and soil parameters

The objective is not simply to teach you how to operate the software. The course explains the theory behind the models, how to select and justify the input parameters, how to compare different analysis methods, and how to interpret the results using sound engineering judgment.

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

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

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

Participants are responsible for arranging their own access to RSPile if they wish to follow the software demonstrations and complete the software-based exercises independently.

Depending on your circumstances, you may use:

• An existing personal or employer-provided licence

• Access provided by your university or educational institution

• A trial licence requested directly from Rocscience, where available

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

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

Because you will receive immediate access to the complete course after registration, we recommend reviewing the proposed learning strategy and identifying the software-based lessons before activating any time-limited 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 requirements and approval of your local professional or regulatory body.

CPD requirements vary between jurisdictions and professional organizations. Participants are responsible for confirming whether the course and its documented learning 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, RSPile demonstrations, 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 either follow the proposed four-week learning strategy or study entirely 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 round of the course 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 sufficient time to complete the course while encouraging participants to maintain steady progress.

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

Our priority is not simply the completion date. We want to make sure that you have access to the learning resources when you are ready to continue.

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 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

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