Create Mean Discontinuity

Source file: create-mean-discontinuity.htm

Create mean discontinuity will create a single discontinuity representing the mean orientation of a selected discontinuity set. The new mean discontinuity will be placed in the geotechnical container.

Multiple discontinuity sets can be selected and processed at once. All other (individual) discontinuities, if selected, will be ignored. Cell arrangements will be ignored.

This function allows to select and group closely packed discontinuities into discontinuity sets and then replace them with a single (average) discontinuity. This results in a more evenly distributed representation of discontinuities, particularly for the purpose of kinematic analyses with stereonets. Otherwise, closely clumped discontinuities can produce undesired bias.

1. Select a discontinuity sets to be averaged.

   Note:  If a selection contains other individual discontinuities and grouping in cells, these are ignored.

2. On the Geotechnical ribbon tab, go to the Cell Maps group and select Create Mean Discontinuity.

3. Select OK or Apply to complete.
   

New discontinuities will be created with the name mean of discontinuity set.

Initial distribution of discontinuities.

Discontinuities to be grouped together are moved into discontinuity sets.

Result after discontinuity sets have been replaced with a mean discontinuity object (pink triangles).

Initial example above - shown in cell runs.

Result, as above, after creating mean discontinuities to replace discontinuity sets - note that results are independent of cell runs.