Water Pressure Overview

By default, Water Pressure is NOT applied to a RocPlane model. The default analysis is therefore applicable to a DRY slope. Two types of water pressures can be modeled: Ponded Water Pressure (acting on the slopes of the wedge) and Joint Water Pressure (acting on the internal planes of the wedge).

NOTE: See the Water Pressure Tutorial for more information and diagrams regarding the various pressure distribution models and the application of ponded water.

Display of Water Pressure

If Water Pressure has been applied to a model, the Water Pressure magnitudes, forces, and wetted extents can be represented on the model using the following display options.

• Force Arrows - Water pressure forces can be represented by arrows displayed at the center of each wedge failure plane, directed normal to the plane. These arrows are symbolic and indicate that Water Pressure has been applied. They do NOT indicate the magnitude or method of Water Pressure calculation. The display of these arrows can be turned on or off with the Water check box in the Display Options dialog.
• Wetted Area - Ponded water and wetted area corresponding to the ponded water depth and percent filled can be displayed by selecting the Water check box in Display Options. Ponded water appears as a transparent entity above the base of the slope.
• Water Pressure Distribution - Ponded water and plane water pressure distributions can be displayed in 2D Wedge View by selecting the Water/Seismic/External check box in Display Options.