Introduction to Rock Engineering Using Rocscience Software

This four-day, hands-on course introduces geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists to integrated workflows across the Rocscience software suite. Participants will learn to capture and interpret structural data using ShapeMetriX, organize geological and borehole data in RSLog, perform structural and rock strength analyses using DIPS and RSData, assess slope and underground stability with RocSlope2, RocSlope3, UnWedge, and RocTunnel3, and carry out advanced numerical modelling in RS3 and RS2.

Through practical exercises using shared datasets, participants will explore how data and models can be transferred between programs to streamline analyses, reduce repetitive data entry, and support more efficient and consistent engineering assessments.

Event Details

• Dates: Monday, February 8th – Thursday, February 11th, 2027
• Location: Hyatt Regency Harare, The Meikles (Corner 3rd Street and Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare)

Registration Fees

• Early Bird: USD $1,200 (until December 31, 2026)
• Regular: USD $1,400

Please note:

• Registrants will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation.
• Registrants must bring their own laptops (and mouse).
• Recommended minimum specs:
  - 32 GB RAM is the recommended minimum
  - 64 GB RAM for 100,000+ triangles
  - 100 GB SSD is the recommended minimum
  - 500 GB SSD preferred
  - Discrete NVIDIA graphics cards preferred for optimal experience
  - Windows 10 64-bit recommended minimum
  - Windows 11 64-bit preferred
• Seats are limited

Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, participants will be able to:

1. Acquire and map structural data from photogrammetric or LiDAR models in ShapeMetriX and export it in DIPS- and RocSlope3-readable formats (.3gdps for joints, .3grs for geometry).
2. Centralize borehole, laboratory and mapping data in RSLog, build cross-sections, and export stratigraphy directly to analysis programs.
3. Define joint sets, run kinematic and sensitivity analyses in DIPS, and export set statistics, measured planes and DFNs to RocSlope2, RocSlope3, Unwedge and RocTunnel3.
4. Fit strength envelopes in RSData and apply the resulting parameters consistently across RocSlope2/3, and RS2/RS3 models.
5. Perform planar, wedge and toppling assessments in RocSlope2 and 3D block stability in RocSlope3 directly from imported geometry and joints.
6. Assess underground wedge and block stability in UnWedge and RocTunnel3 from the same structural dataset.
7. Build 3D finite element models in RS3 from Slide3/RocSlope3 geometry, run shear strength reduction and staged excavation, and export critical 2D sections to RS2 using the Section Creator.
8. Apply a decision framework for when to escalate from empirical/kinematic to limit-equilibrium/block to numerical analysis.
9. Set up a project folder and naming convention that keeps every analysis traceable to its source data.

Course Outline

Day 1 — Capture and Organize

• Review handheld, UAV and LiDAR data-capture strategies, and generate 3D models in ShapeMetriX.
• Map discontinuities, trace lengths, rock bridges and lithological domains, and perform data-quality checks.
• Organize borehole, discontinuity and laboratory data in RSLog using gINT, AGS, DIGGS and Excel imports and the on-site field app.
• Complete a borehole-import exercise and develop a cross-section in RSLog.
• Verify ShapeMetriX .3gdps and .3grs exports and the RSLog cross-section for use in subsequent sessions.

Day 2 — Structural Interpretation, Strength and Bench Stability

• Import ShapeMetriX and RSLog data into DIPS, define joint sets, and calculate structural statistics.
• Perform kinematic and sensitivity analyses, apply a design-sector approach to open pits, and explore RSInsight automation for large datasets.
• Fit Hoek–Brown strength envelopes to triaxial and UCS data and derive equivalent Mohr–Coulomb parameters over the design stress range.
• Evaluate GSI and disturbance-factor inputs, consult the RocProp database, and establish consistent strength parameters across programs.
• Import DIPS orientations into RocSlope2, assess planar, wedge and toppling stability, and incorporate probabilistic inputs.
• Complete a sector-based bench-design exercise to evaluate bench face angles and berm widths.

Day 3 — Surface and Underground Block Stability

• Import ShapeMetriX geometry and measured joints into RocSlope3, generate synthetic joints from DIPS set statistics, simplify meshes, and identify blocks.
• Assess block stability and hazards, evaluate sensitivity to persistence, water and friction, and interpret the results for design.
• Prepare geometry for RS3 and develop inter-ramp and overall slope models using the same source geometry.
• Evaluate tunnel-orientation kinematics, assess wedge stability and support in UnWedge, and analyze 3D block stability along a drive in RocTunnel3 using ShapeMetriX face geometry.

Day 4 — Numerical Modelling and Workflow Integration

• Perform 3D limit-equilibrium analysis in Slide3, convert the model to RS3, conduct shear strength reduction analysis, and compare limit-equilibrium and finite-element results.
• Incorporate discrete fracture network (DFN)-based joint networks from DIPS and RocSlope3 into the numerical modelling workflow.
• Model staged excavation for open-pit and underground applications, and evaluate pore-pressure options.
• Define monitoring points and extract results to support design decisions.
• Export single and multiple 2D sections using the RS2 Section Creator, refine meshes, assess support requirements, and perform sensitivity analyses.
• Complete a group project integrating the data-management, structural-analysis, stability-assessment and numerical-modelling workflows covered during the course.

Course Instructor
 

Contact

For any additional queries, please reach out to ruth.obeng-king@rocscience.com