Water Pressure Overview
By default, Water Pressure is NOT applied to an SWedge model, and the analysis is therefore applicable to a DRY wedge. Two types of water pressures can be modelled: Ponded Water Pressure (acting on the slopes of the wedge) and Joint Water Pressure (acting on the internal joints of the wedge).
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 thru line of thrust 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 Wetted Area check box in Display Options. Ponded water appears as a transparent entity above the base of the slope.
- Water Contours - Contours corresponding to the slope face type and/or pressure distribution model and percent filled can be displayed by selecting the Water Contours check box in Display Options. When you display Water Contours, the calculated maximum (peak) magnitude of water pressure will be listed in the Perspective View. The Water Contour Legend can also be displayed by selecting the Legend check box in Display Options.