For 3D slope geometries of benches, highway cuts, and entire open pits, model structurally controlled failure in rock slopes exhibiting jointing (faults, joints, bedding, folds, foliations). Define joints as any combination of measured joints, synthetically sampled joint sets, or discrete surfaces, defined by orientation and location.
Determine all valid blocks which could be formed by the intersection of joints. Once blocks are computed, determine each block’s stability using the limit equilibrium method to obtain a factor of safety, taking into considering weight, shear strength, water pressure, loading and supports.
Predict the locations and magnitudes of failures over the extent of the slope by creating heat maps to show locations with the lowest factors of safety, largest failure volumes and depths, and greatest support requirements.
Perform probabilistic analysis to model the variability in rock unit weight, joint shear strength, and water pressure parameters and obtain location-specific probabilities of failure. Generate statistical plots like histograms, cumulative and scatter plots for any selection of blocks, and fit distributions and regression lines through the data.
