Rocscience International Conference 2025 is going to take place in Sydney, Australia Read more

Search Results

Search Optimization

Slide3 employs an efficient slip surface search method known as Surface Altering (SA) optimization. SA is a powerful tool to yield lower factors of safety by modifying the geometry of a given slip surface. SA is a novel approach based on a derivative-free constrained nonlinear optimization*.

Unlike the metaheuristic method, SA is a local optimization method.

  • In SA, the input surface (e.g. sphere, ellipsoid or spline) is first converted to a spline approximation as necessary.
  • The converted spline surface can be formed based on a 5x5, 7x7 or 9x9 grid of control points. This can be set via the Conversion Resolution option.
  • After conversion, control points defining the surface are modified in a way that minimizes the factor of safety.
  • The optimization process is stopped when either the maximum number of iterations is reached or when the optimization does not make any further progress.
Surface Altering Optimization 2D Model View
Surface Altering Optimization 2D Model View

The Surface Altering Optimization option in the Slip Surface Options dialog is also a slip surface search method. It is listed separately from the primary search methods, because it is an optional method, and is performed AFTER the primary search.


To enable this option:

  1. Select the Surface Altering Optimization checkbox in the Slip Surface Options dialog.
  2. Select the Options button to customize the optimization search parameters (Conversion Resolution, Iteration Tolerance, Max Iterations, Max Concavity Angle). Default options are in effect.

By default, the Surface Altering Optimization checkbox is ON. It is recommended for most analyses.

Surface Altering Optimization 2D Model View
Surface Altering Optimization 2D Model View

Surface Altering with Classic Search

Surface Altering Optimization is a local search method which uses the results of the primary Search Method (e.g. sphere, ellipse or spline from Cuckoo Search or Particle Swarm), converts this to a spline surface if necessary, and searches for a spline surface with a lower safety factor.

The Surface Generation Method = Classic Search, you can apply the SA Optimization to sphere, ellipse or spline surface shape.

Surface Altering with User-Defined Surfaces

If the Surface Generation Method = User-Defined Surfaces, you can apply the SA Optimization to the User Defined Surfaces. The SA Optimization uses a User Defined Surface as the starting point for the optimization, in exactly the same way as it is applied to the global minimum surface obtained by a primary search method (e.g. Cuckoo Search or Particle Swarm).

If the Surface Type = Multi-Planar, the Surface Altering Optimization is NOT available, since the Multi-Planar surface option assumes that you wish to search for wedge-type failure surfaces formed by the intersection of planar surfaces.

Surface Altering with Intelligent Search

The Surface Altering Optimization is an optional method, and is performed AFTER the primary search.

The Surface Altering Optimization option uses the results of the primary Intelligent Search, and searches for a spline surface with a lower safety factor.

Max iterations parameter is only editable when User-Defined is selected for Search refinement.
Rocscience logo, click here to return to the homepage Portal Account Portal Account Log In Log Out Home Shopping Cart icon Click here to search our site Click here to close Learning Tech Support Documentation Info Chevron Delete Back to Top View More" Previous Next PDF File Calendar Location Language Fees Video Click here to visit Rocscience's LinkedIn page Click here to visit Rocscience's YouTube page Click here to visit Rocscience's X page Click here to visit Rocscience's Facebook page Click here to visit Rocscience's Instagram page Click here to visit Rocscience's Reddit page Bookmark Network Scroll down for more Checkmark Download Print Back to top Single User Multiple Users RSLog RocFall3 CPillar Dips EX3 RocFall RocPlane RocSlope3 RocSupport RocTopple RS2 RS3 RSData RSPile Settle3 Slide2 Slide3 SWedge UnWedge RocTunnel3 RocSlope2 BlastMetrix ShapeMetriX Fragmenter Commercial License Education License Trial License Shop safe & secure Money-back guarantee