Joint Water Pressure
The effects of water pressure within joints can greatly reduce the normal force, and thereby the shear resistance and factor of safety of blocks. To define a joint's Water Parameters:
- Select: Joints > Define Joint Properties
- The Define Joints Properties dialog will appear. Navigate to the Water Parameters tab.
- You will see a table where the Water Pressure Method can be defined.
| Type | Data |
|---|---|
Water Pressure Method | Material Dependent |
- The Water Pressure Method can be modeled using one of the following methods:
- Material Dependent
- Water Surfaces
- Water Grids
- Dry
- Uniform
Material Dependent
If the Water Pressure Method is defined as Material Dependent, the computation of the joint's water pressure is defined by its Material's Groundwater Settings. The joint water pressure will be derived from the rock materials through which the joint passes.
To change the Groundwater Settings:
- Select: Materials > Define Materials
- In the Define Materials dialog, the Groundwater Method can be changed to any of the following options:
- Water Surfaces
- Ru Coefficient
- Water Grids
- Water Surfaces
Water Surfaces
If the Water Pressure Method is defined as Water Surfaces, you can assign a water surface (e.g., Water Table, Piezo Surface) to the entire joint surface.
Water Grids
If the Water Pressure Method is defined as Water Grids, you can assign a water pressure grid (e.g., Total Head, Pressure Head, or Pore Pressure) to the entire joint surface.
Dry
If the Water Pressure Method is defined as Dry, there are no water pressure effects modeled in the joint.
Uniform
If the Water Pressure Method is defined as Uniform, a user-specified Water Pressure can be applied over the entire joint surface.