The initial state is the state of the structure that prevails at the beginning of the analysis. In the geotechnical analysis, for example, the soil structure is already under stress at least as a result of the existing soil, as the following figure is intended to illustrate, before the effects of the construction measure are impressed.
Since the stiffness of the soil depends on the prevailing stress and the load history, the initial state of each soil element must be recorded for geotechnical tasks. Because it gives rise to essential influencing factors. The initial state depends on the weight and mechanical properties of the subsoil.
Other influences can be:
- Topography (e.g. the course of the terrain),
- Load history of the subsoil (e.g. geological preload)
- Groundwater levels
- External loads (e.g. from existing structures).