Kinematic Analysis

Source file: kinematic-analysis-tool.htm

Kinematic analyses are conducted using stereonets on a collection of poles (normals of planes) or plane intersections selected from the discontinuities of a rock face. This helps to identify instabilities and possible failures in an excavated face. For further detail, see Kinematic Analysis in the Key Concepts section.

Note:  You will need to ascertain likely friction angles and lateral limits appropriate to the rock faces and materials being investigated.

To perform a kinematic analysis, proceed as follows:

  1. Create a stereonet incorporating poles of the discontinuities to be analysed. Utilise contour plots to help identify concentrations of intersections.

  2. Highlight the stereonet container.

  3. On the Geotechnical tab, from the Stereonet group, click Kinematic Analysis.

  4. Enter the Slope dip angle and Slope dip direction of the main slope face under consideration.

    Tip:  Create a discontinuity object of the whole slope face with the dip and strike Query tool, then drag the discontinuity object into the slope dip fields of the Kinematic Analysis panel.

  5. Select a failure type to be analysed from the Failure zone drop-down. The following options are selected (or cleared) automatically according to the chosen failure type:

    Daylight envelope Planar,
    Slip limit Flexural Toppling
    Lateral limits Planar, Flexural Toppling, Direct Toppling
    Polar friction cone, Planar, Direct Toppling
    Planar friction cone Wedge, Direct Toppling

    Note:  You can select or clear any of these options regardless of the failure type you chose.

  6. For the selected options, set the relevant angles.

  7. If the destination stereonet is in view, visualisations of each selected option will be appear on the stereonet. Examine the stereonet to see if any poles or intersections are in critical zones. Adjust angles as appropriate.

  8. If necessary, change the name, colour, and destination stereonet.

  9. Click OK or Apply.

A kinematic analysis object will be saved in the stereonet container specified in the Destination stereonet field.