Overview of Berms

A Berm in RocFall is a polyline consisting of at least two segments with both the first and last points on the slope that can be placed almost anywhere along the slope to alter the paths of the rocks as they travel down the slope. To add a berm, you need to define and/or assign both:

• Berm geometry
• Berm material

Berm Geometry

RocFall offers three different options for berm geometry:

1. Triangular berms
2. Trapezoidal (embankment) berms
3. Custom berm shapes.

Any number of berms can be added to the slope. Berms, however, cannot cross other berms and cannot cross slope segments. If the last point is inside the slope, the last segment is truncated promptly at where it meets the slope. Also, a berm cannot have self-intersecting segments. Moreover, the berm must be placed where a valid last point can be generated; an intersection with the slope must be reachable by extending either the last segment or vertically down. For example, it cannot end beyond the slope, or have an ending angle that’s less steep than the general slope. A warning message pops up if an invalid location is picked.