Support in a Probabilistic Analysis

In a Probabilistic analysis, if the joint or slope face orientations are random variables, the actual size and shape of the wedge change with each simulation. The user should be aware of the following issues with support modelling in a Probabilistic analysis.

Pressure

For a Probabilistic analysis in which the wedge plane orientations are random variables, the Pressure option is the recommended way to properly model support since it automatically accounts for the changing surface area of the wedge.

Bolts

Statistical variations can be assigned to most of the Bolt Properties capacity components. See Bolt Properties in an SWedge Probabilistic Analysis for how probabilistic analysis on bolt properties is performed in SWedge.

External Force

External force should be used with caution in this case since the support force remains constant for each simulation, while the size and orientation of the wedge may change.

Shotcrete

Shotcrete support is always implemented correctly in a Probabilistic analysis since the orientation and size of the wedge are automatically accounted for due to the way in which shotcrete is implemented in SWedge (i.e., actual trace lengths and wedge orientation are calculated for each simulation).