Create a Discontinuity Solid

The Discontinuity solid tool allows you to construct a solid using discontinuity planes and other planes you describe using three points per plane. This allows you to construct a solid representing a broken wedge of rock or similar, that has fallen away from a rock wall.

The basic process consists of choosing discontinuities which represent the sides of the solid you wish to construct. This will define only part of the solid. Next, finish off the solid by defining the remaining sides clicking on three points as close to the plane you want to create. For an example you can continue to build up a more detailed solid by defining more planes at relevant corners. The function will automatically extend and trim the planes to create the solid desired. You can use the Visibility editor to hide and view elements (including the rock wall) as you build up the solid.

  1. Select the area where you wish to build the Discontinuity solid.

  2. Use existing discontinuities or create new discontinuities that represent the sides of the solid in contact with the rock wall surface.
Tip!  Use Query dip and strike or Extract discontinuities to create new discontinuities.

  1. On the Geotechnical ribbon tab navigate to the Analyse group and select Create Solid.

Add the discontinuities representing the sides of the solid to the Source list by selecting and clicking the add button or drag and drop the discontinuities into the field. Removing an entry by selecting the discontinuity and click the remove button. Click Reverse if the solid needs to use the other side of the discontinuity plane as a reference.

  1. Define Manual planes by clicking in the data field for a point then selecting points around the rock wall where external planes of the solid intersect. You can also manually input numerical values for the coordinates of the points. Click Add to add the plane to the Source list for the solid. A preview visualisation of the solid will be updated.

    Continue refining the shape if necessary by defining more manual planes around the edges of the solid. The tool will automatically extend and trim the planes where appropriate.

  1. Click Hide preview and Show preview to hide or show a visualisation of the solid.

Tip!  Use the Visibility editor to hide and show other elements around the solid.

  1. Click OK or Apply to save the solid. The result is a solid object saved in the surfaces container.