All Joints Strength

To expand the capabilities of the Sensitivity analysis in SWedge, an All Joints option is provided in the list of plot variables. This option allows you to perform a sensitivity analysis of the joint shear strength parameters, by simultaneously varying individual strength parameters for all joints. For example, if you are using the Mohr-Coulomb criterion, you will see the following variables listed:

• All Joints Cohesion
• All Joints Friction Angle

If you choose one of these options, the sensitivity analysis will vary the selected strength parameter (cohesion or friction angle) for all joints simultaneously (i.e. Joint 1 and Joint 2 for tetrahedral wedges, or Joint 1, Joint 2 and Basal Joint for basal joint wedges). This allows you to quickly assess the effect of varying strength parameters for all joints, rather than varying the strength of individual joints while holding the others constant.

Notes:

• The All Joints option is only available if you have assigned the same strength criterion for all joints (e.g. Mohr-Coulomb). If you are using different strength criteria for different joints (e.g. Mohr-Coulomb and Barton-Bandis) then the All Joints option will not be available in the list of sensitivity variables.
• The All Joints option can also be used with Barton-Bandis and Power Curve strength criteria, as long as only one criterion is used for all joints. You will see All Joints options for the strength parameters applicable to the criterion (e.g. JRC, JCS and Phir for Barton-Bandis).
• To independently vary the strength of individual joints (while keeping other joints constant), select the specific joint and variable (e.g. Joint 1 Cohesion) rather than All Joints.