Joint Properties

The Combination Analysis option in SWedge allows you to enter any number of discrete joint plane orientations, and all possible combinations of two joints which can form a wedge will be analyzed.

You may define a single set of joint data or two sets.

• If a single set of joint data is defined, then it is assumed that all joints have the same strength properties. All possible combinations of two joints within the single joint set will be analyzed.
• If two sets of joint data are defined, then you may define different strength properties for each set. All possible combinations of two joints, using one joint from each set, will be analyzed.

To define joint properties for a Combination analysis:

1. Select Input Data and select the Joints tab.
2. If you will be defining two joint sets, then select the Use Two Joint Sets check box. If you are defining a single joint set then do not select this check box.
3. In the spreadsheet area, enter the joint orientations (Dip / Dip Direction) for the joint set.
• You can type the data directly in the spreadsheet, or
• Paste the data from another application (e.g. Excel) into the spreadsheet columns, or
• Import the orientation data from a Dips file (see the Import from Dips topic for more information).

You can enter any number of discrete joint orientations in the spreadsheet area, and note the editing tools (e.g. delete rows, append rows) which are available (e.g. select the Append Rows button if you need additional rows for the data).

4. Define the strength properties for the joints. You can choose Mohr-Coulomb, Barton-Bandis or Power Curve models. All joints in the joint set will be assigned these strength properties.
5. If you are defining two joint sets, then select Joint Set 2 from the combo box at the top of the dialog. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to define the joint orientations and strength for Joint Set 2.
6. When you are finished entering the joint data, select OK or Apply to run the Combination analysis.