Tunnel Axis Orientation

The Tunnel Axis Orientation is the Trend/Plunge of the excavation axis, looking "down" the axis of the excavation or tunnel. The Tunnel Axis Orientation may be entered in:

• The General tab of the Input Data dialog
• The Sidebar for most of the UnWedge Views (e.g., Opening Section view, 3D Wedge View, etc.)
• In the Tunnel Axis Plot view, the Tunnel Axis Orientation can be graphically and interactively modified, using the contours as a guide.

Horizontal Excavations

For horizontal excavations ( Plunge = 0 deg) remember that the Trend assumes that the viewer is "facing" the Opening Section cross-section, looking along the excavation axis.

Inclined or Vertical Excavations

For inclined (e.g., ramp) or vertical excavations, remember that the Trend must correspond to the Y-axis of the Opening Section as defined in the Opening Section View. For vertical excavations, Plunge = 90 deg.

Tunnel Axis Plot

The Tunnel Axis Orientation can be optimized with respect to any analysis output variable. For example: maximum wedge volume, minimum Factor of Safety, minimum support pressure to achieve design Factor of Safety, etc. This can be done with a single mouse click.

See the Tunnel Axis Plot topic for details.