Joints Overview
Joints in RocTunnel3 act as the cutting surfaces which divide the geology into individual block volumes. A Joint entity is a Surface with Joint Surface role and an applied Joint Property.
In order to create blocks, the joints must intersect and persist such that an enclosed volume can be cut out of the External Geology volume(s).
For a sliding block, the joint surfaces may also act as a sliding surfaces which provide shear resistance. Shear Strength provided by a joint depends on the normal forces, Shear Strength Model and associated parameters, and Waviness. Effects of Water Pressure in the joints can also be modelled. See the Define Joint Properties topic for more information.
For a sliding block, the joint surfaces may also act as a sliding surfaces which provide shear resistance. Shear Strength provided by a joint depends on the normal forces, Shear Strength Model and associated parameters, and Waviness. Effects of Water Pressure in the joints can also be modelled. See the Define Joint Properties topic for more information.