	README File					  	 Page 1/2

           NOTES REGARDING EXECUTABLE XSTABL PROGRAM (Version 5.006a)
           ==========================================================

      NOTE-1
      ------------------------------------------------------------------
        PLEASE READ PAGES 102-103 IN THE "XSTABL REFERENCE MANUAL
            FOR DETAILS CONCERNING THE CONTROL OF NEGATIVE EFFECTIVE
            STRESSES AT THE BASE OF THE SLICES.

        The message written to the screen and output files is only a
        WARNING if there is a possibility of negative effective stresses
        being calculated during the analysis.  This message should not be
        treated as an ERROR; a response is only requested such that the
        potential for an error can be controlled by the analysis.

        The final output should be checked to see if any negative stresses
        resulted in the calculation of "misleading" factors of safety.

      NOTE-2
      ------------------------------------------------------------------
        Section 1.4 in some copies of the Reference Manual does not match 
        the listed Table of Contents.  This is minor editorial matter that
        will be fixed for the next printing.  The page numbers in the 
        INDEX are, however, correct.

      NOTE-3
      ------------------------------------------------------------------
	The XSTABL program on this disk, named XSTABL.EXE, is the 
	executable version and will require about 450,000 bytes (440 kb)
	of free RAM to operate on a personal computer. 

      NOTE-4
      ------------------------------------------------------------------
        The text for Error # 7 has been changed from the one listed on 
        page 152 in the Reference Manual.  The new message is appropriate
        for the action taken by XSTABL.  The new error message is:

        "The normal effective stress on the base of a slice was found to be
        outside the range of stresses used to define the curved Mohr-Coulomb
        envelope.  The value of this normal stress and the soil unit number
        are reported below.  Please expand the range of the NLMC data."

      NOTE-5
      ------------------------------------------------------------------
        Check the ERRORS.FIX file for the latest information concerning the
        "fixes" made to XSTABL since the introduction of version 5.000.

        NOTE-6
        ------------------------------------------------------------------
        If you wish to merely install the program files and are not
        interested in installing the examples, please type:

		A:INSTALL -u

        with the program disk in drive A.

								  Page 2/2


	HARD-DISK INSTALLATION (including 720 kb, 1.44 kb or 1.2 kb disks)
        ------------------------------------------------------------------
	The XSTABL floppy disk (or diskette) contains all the necessary
	program and example files in a compressed format.  To copy these
	files to a subdirectory on your hard disk, please follow the
	instruction listed below:

	    1.	create a directory on your hard disk
			(e.g. MD XSTABL etc....)

	    2.	change to this newly created directory
			(e.g. CD XSTABL etc....)

	    3.	from this directory type either :

		(a) A:INSTALL   --> if disk is in the "A" drive, or

		(b) B:INSTALL   --> if disk is in the "B" drive

	The program can then be started by typing, XSTABL at the DOS
	prompt and the data input and output files may be read/written
	to any PRE-EXISTING directories.  The program will NOT operate
	without the SETUP1.STB file.


	FONT SELECTION
        ------------------------------------------------------------------
	    XSTABL v.5 can use two different fonts for the hardcopy plots
	    (*.GP1, *.GP2 etc.) produced following an analysis.  The
	    available fonts are:

            (a) ROMAN :- a serif font that is the same as the one used
                by XSTABL version 4.  This font is stored in the file
                named: SERIF.FNT.  Please refer to Fig. 3.15 in the
                Reference Manual for an example.

            (b) GOTHIC :- a sanserif font that is easier to read on
                engineering drawings.  This font is stored in the file
                named: SSERIF.FNT.  Please refer to Fig. 5.12 in the
                Reference Manual for an example.

            GOTHIC is the default font selected, but if you wish to use
            the ROMAN font, change the name of the SERIF.FNT file to
            XSTABL.FN2.  The easiest (and safest) way to achieve this
            is by typing:

                            COPY SERIF.FNT XSTABL.FN2

            at the DOS prompt, while you are in the XSTABL directory.
            If you wish to change back to sanserif GOTHIC font, just
            copy the SERIF.FNT file to XSTABL.FN2.
