PileAXL 2.6.3 Release - New Features, Enhancements and Improved Analysis Capabilities

We are pleased to announce the release of PileAXL Version 2.6.3, featuring a range of new features and enhancements, including improved CPT-based axial capacity analysis for steel tubular piles, implementation of the LCPC method for pile axial capacity calculations, and the ability to export detailed axial capacity analysis results to Excel spreadsheets for further processing and reporting. This release also introduces detailed ultimate shaft resistance results for different pile embedment lengths to support offshore pile design, along with updated PileAXL design examples and an updated user manual.

The key improvements and updates included in this release are summarised below:

Version 2.6.3 - November 2026

Updates:

• CPT-based axial capacity analysis for steel tubular piles

  • The pipe section is commonly used for steel tubular piles in offshore applications. In previous versions of PileAXL, only two pile toe conditions were supported: (1) Closed-ended Pipe Pile and (2) Open-ended Pipe Pile (Unplugged). In Version 2.6.3, a new option, Open-ended Pipe Pile (Fully Plugged), has been introduced. The program now supports all three pile toe conditions, allowing users to consider different plugging conditions when assessing the axial capacity of steel tubular piles.

• Analysis option dialog for LCPC method checkbox

  • LCPC option selection in the Option dialog. When this option is checked. The LCPC method can be enabled by selecting the “Use LCPC method for axial pile capacity” checkbox in the Analysis Option dialog. When this option is selected, users can select the LCPC method to calculate the ultimate axial pile capacity based on Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data, including both ultimate shaft resistance and ultimate end-bearing resistance.

• The LCPC method considers the influence of pile installation methods and pile types on the calculated axial resistance. Once this option is enabled, users can select the applicable pile type from the available LCPC pile classifications in the “Pile Section” dialog. The selected pile type is used to determine the corresponding shaft resistance and end-bearing resistance parameters in accordance with the LCPC method.

• In previous versions, the LCPC pile category selection was always displayed in the View/Edit Pile Section dialog, regardless of whether the LCPC method was used. This sometimes caused confusion among users, as they were required to define both the pile section type and its parameters, as well as the LCPC pile category used to determine the shaft friction coefficient and end bearing capacity factor. In Version 2.6.3, the LCPC pile category selection is displayed only when the LCPC method option is enabled, simplifying the input process and avoiding unnecessary confusion.

  
  

• Updated CPT Manager dialog

  • The CPT Manager dialog has been updated to include a note at the bottom of the dialog outlining the recommended depth increment for CPT data used in pile axial capacity calculations, in accordance with API RP 2GEO (2014). In previous versions, some users adopted relatively large depth increments, which may not provide sufficient resolution for accurate CPT-based pile axial capacity calculations, particularly where CPT cone resistance varies significantly with depth. This additional note provides guidance to help users select an appropriate depth increment and improve the accuracy of their calculations.

• Exporting axial capacity results into excel spreadsheet

  • For multiple pile sections defined in the analysis, users can select the pile section to display the detailed axial capacity analysis results from the dropdown menu as shown in the figure from the program output window. Clicking the “Export Results” button next to the dropdown menu allows users to export the tabulated analysis results to a well-formatted Excel spreadsheet. The exported spreadsheet provides a convenient way to review and examine the detailed calculation results, with the flexibility to further process, analyse, and customise the data for additional engineering assessments, design verification, and reporting purposes.

• Displaying ultimate unit shaft resistance for different pile lengths

  • This new version introduces a new feature that allows users to view the calculated ultimate unit shaft resistance for different pile embedment lengths when using selected offshore pile axial capacity calculation methods. This feature is particularly useful for offshore pile design, where the ultimate unit shaft resistance may vary with pile embedment length due to the length-dependent formulations adopted by certain design methods. Users can select different pile lengths to review and compare the corresponding shaft resistance distributions along the pile, providing greater flexibility in assessing pile axial capacity and optimising pile embedment lengths.

These new features and enhancements in PileAXL Version 2.6.3 are designed to improve the accuracy, flexibility, and efficiency of pile axial capacity analysis, particularly for offshore applications and CPT-based pile design. We remain committed to continuously improving PileAXL based on user feedback and the latest developments in geotechnical engineering practice.

We encourage all existing users to upgrade to the latest version and explore these new features and improvements. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions for future developments.