Automate from Excel: Probabilistic Analysis

To automate a Probabilistic Analysis:

1. Create a new RocTopple model file.
2. Set up the Project Settings dialog. Select Analysis > Project Settings.
3. Set Analysis = Probabilistic.
4. Set the Sampling Method and Number of Samples.
5. Under the Toppling Model tab, set the Toppling Model as applicable.
6. Select OK to close the dialog.
7. Set up the Probabilistic Input Data dialog. Select Analysis > Input Data from the menu.
8. Under the Geometry tab, set the check box controls as applicable.
9. Under the Point of Force Application tab, set the controls as applicable.
10. Under the Base and Bedding Strength tab, set the combo box controls as applicable.
11. Under the Internal Rock Strength tab (only available if Toppling Model = Block Flexure Toppling), set the combo box controls as applicable.
12. Select OK to close the dialog.
13. Set up the Seismic Load dialog. Select Loading > Seismic Load.

NOTE: Line Loads and Distributed Loads are not automated inputs from Automate from Excel. If any external forces are to be applied, they must be already defined and placed in the model (and are to be used for all automation cases).

14. Set up the Water Pressure dialog. Select Water > Water Pressure Options.
15. Select Pore Pressure in Joints radio control to automate % Fill.

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

A blank Probabilistic Excel Template will open.

NOTE: The Excel workbook is protected to prevent accidental manipulation of worksheets. 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 RocTopple (i.e., number of topple analyses = number of samples)

16. Pre-process input data

    NOTE: All applicable data must be entered into the Excel input file. 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.

17. Select Analysis > Automate Compute > Probabilistic Excel Template.
18. Save a copy of the input Excel template.
19. Enter in all applicable numerical data corresponding to the selections in the Probabilistic Input Data dialog, Seismic Load dialog, and Water Pressure dialog.
20. Save and close the Excel input file.
21. Select Automate from Excel from the Analysis menu.
22. In the Automated Compute dialog:

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

23. Add Excel input file(s) to the File Queue by selecting the Add Files or Add Folder button.
24. 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 topple analysis per row. One Excel file per Excel input file row (i.e., per case) is generated; the results are separated by columns and listed as one topple analysis per row.
25. Select the Compute button to run the analysis and write the results on all Excel input files in the File Queue.
26. 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 7.
27. Post-process output data.