Joint Structure Continuity

Joint Continuity can be defined in the Joint Properties tab in the Input Data dialog. There are three Continuity options:

• Infinite
• Persistence
• Trace Length

Infinite

There is no limit on joint lengths; they may be infinitely long. Wedges are scaled-down only to the maximum size for the tunnel.

Persistence

Joint Persistence represents the maximum joint length as measured in any direction on a wedge sliding plane. Joints can be limited by a user-defined Persistence value.

Trace Length

Joint Trace Length represents the exposed trace length of a joint as measured on the boundary face. Joints can be limited by a user-defined Trace Length.

You can add variability to Persistence or Trace Length in a Probabilistic Analysis through the Statistic > Joint Properties option in the Joint Properties Statistics dialog.