GGU-RETAIN: Utilisation factor (hydraulic heave) using partial safety factors¶
Using the partial safety factor concept the following must be verified:
- S'k = characteristic flow force on the percolated soil mass
- γH = partial factor for the flow force in favourable or unfavourable subsoil in the
HYD (EC 7) limit state - G'k = characteristic dead load of the buoyant percolated soil mass
- γg,stb = partial factor for stabilising permanent actions in the
HYD (EC 7) limit state - Layer 1 (i = 1) is the uppermost layer
The so-called utilisation factor µ can also be calculated from this relationship.

- µN = utilisation factor of layer N
Utilisation factors ≤ 1.0 mean that sufficient safety is given.