The following is a listing of the major additions, changes and enhancements which have been made in the upgrade of Swedge from version 4 to version 5.
NOTE: for an overview highlighting the major new features in Swedge 5.0 click here
Analysis Options
Combination Analysis
combination analysis (new analysis type)
import complete dips file (all planes)
consider single file, or two joint sets
view joint intersections on stereonet
view failed poles/intersections on stereonet
Sensitivity Analysis
sensitivity analysis variables - nearly all input parameters can be selected for sensitivity analysis, including variables which are not available for probabilistic analysis (e.g. support capacities, external load magnitudes, bench width, slope length)
sensitivity analysis of slope orientation - can automatically use same dip direction for slope and upper face
Joint Shear Strength
barton-bandis strength model
power curve strength model
Probabilistic Analysis
import statistical info from Dips .dwp file
joint shear strength can be defined directly as a random variable, for any strength model
water pressure can be defined as a random variable
seismic load can be defined as a random variable
new definition for probability of failure (use total # of samples)
reliability index (normal and lognormal) reported in info viewer
persistence analysis (define persistence and wedge height as random variables)
checkbox to automatically use same dip direction for slope and upper face
plot remaining bench width (if bench width option is used)
default sampling method changed from Monte Carlo to Latin Hypercube
default number of samples changed from 1000 to 10000
default sampling changed from random to pseudo-random
new random number generation options
Wedge Calculation
completely new analysis engine based on Goodman and Shi's block theory
provides reliable results for a wide variety of modeling circumstances
handles wedge cases which could not be previously analyzed
Wedge Size
improved scale wedge dialog (checkboxes to select parameters)
scale wedge parameters saved with file
scale wedge works with probabilistic or combination analysis
scale by slope length
Import from Dips
import all joint orientations from a Dips file for Combination analysis
import Fisher joint set statistics from a Dips file
Tension Crack
tension crack location:
minimum safety factor
maximize wedge size according to bench width
Stereonet View
new display options for probabilistic (or combination) analysis:
display all poles on stereonet
display joint intersections
highlight poles/intersections corresponding to wedge failure
User Interface
customize data display in sidebar
improved Info Viewer layout with customizable fonts, colours etc.
HTML Info Viewer
new mouse options for moving wedge etc
pan model in view
new zoom shortcuts (F-keys), hold Shift to zoom all views
customize number of decimal places for analysis output
Miscellaneous
Project summary (in project settings)
export 3D dxf
improved printing with customizable header/footer title blocks
entire Wedge View is now printed (top / front / side / perspective), rather than just a single view
duplicate current file (for any wedge generated by probabilistic or combination analysis)
back compatibility with Swedge 4.0 (read / write files in version 4 format)
customizable display options for chart properties
changes to default slope display (actual slope height is used, new default colours)
actual slope length and bench width can be displayed
sampling option (probabilistic) moved from Input Data to Project Settings dialog
Documentation