Automate from Excel for Probabilistic Analysis

To automate a Probabilistic Analysis:

1. Create a new RocSupport model file.
2. Set up the Project Settings dialog. Select Analysis > Project Settings.
3. Set the Analysis Type = Probabilistic.
4. Set Solution Method as applicable.
5. Set Modulus Estimation Method for Generalized Hoek-Brown Materials as applicable.
6. Under the Sampling tab, set up the Sampling Method and Number of Samples as applicable.
7. Under the Random Numbers tab, set up the Random Number Generation as applicable.
8. Set up the Tunnel Parameters dialog. Select Analysis > Define Tunnel Parameters .
9. Set the check box controls as applicable.
10. Select Apply and Close to close the dialog.
11. Set up the Support Parameters dialog. Select Analysis > Add Support .
12. Under the Rockbolts tab, set the controls as applicable.
13. Under the Steelsets tab, set the controls as applicable.
14. Under the Shotcrete tab, set the controls as applicable.
15. Select Apply and Close to close the dialog.

NOTE: Custom support is not an automated input from Automate from Excel. If custom support is to be applied, it must be defined and placed in the model (and are to be used for all automation cases).

16. Pre-process input data.
    1. Select Analysis > Automate Compute > Probabilistic Excel Template.

    A blank Probabilistic Excel Template will open.

    NOTE: The Excel workbook is protected to prevent accidental manipulation of worksheet. The predefined column header cells are protected to prevent accidental manipulation of input columns.

    Each row of input data represents a separate Probabilistic computation in RocSupport (i.e., number of tunnel analyses = number of samples).

    2. Save a copy of the input Excel template.
    3. Enter in all applicable numerical data corresponding to the selections in the Project Settings dialog, Probabilistic Tunnel and Rock Parameter dialog, and Support Parameter dialog.

    NOTE: All applicable data must be entered into the right Excel worksheet. The Excel worksheet which requires inputs corresponds to the Solution Method selected in the Project Settings. If any required columns are left blank, in an incorrect format, or outside the valid range, the Error Log generated from Automate from Excel will indicate these errors. Depending on the Statistical Distribution set for random variables, the Mean Value, in addition to the Standard Deviation, Relative Minimum and Relative Maximum may be required.

    4. Select Automate from Excel from the Analysis menu.
    5. In the Automated Compute dialog:
    6. Add Excel input file(s) to the File Queue by selecting the Open button.

    NOTE: Only files from RocSupport Automation Template_Probabilistic.xlsx can be automated since the project setting and input data setup, and file reading is format-specific to the program RocSupport and to the Analysis Type.

    7. Select the desired Output File Format (either Text File or Excel) of the results file in the combo box dropdown.

    One text file per Excel input file row (i.e., per case) is generated; the results are comma delimited and listed as one tunnel analysis per row. One Excel per Excel input file row (i.e., per case) is generated; the results are separated by columns and listed as one tunnel analysis per row.

    8. Select the Compute button to run the analysis and write the results for all Excel input files in the File Queue.
    9. Check the Error Log for any errors detected in the Excel input file. If any errors are reported, correct them in the Excel input file and repeat step 8.
    10. Post-process output data.