Joint Orientations

The orientations of 3 distinct joint planes must always be defined for an Unwedge analysis. Using block theory, Unwedge determines all of the possible tetrahedral wedges which can be formed by the intersection of the 3 joint planes and the excavation.

To define Joint Orientations:

  1. Select Input Data from the toolbar, the Analysis menu or the right click menu.

  2. Select the Joint Orientations tab in the Input Data dialog.

  3. For a new file, default orientations will already be provided for 3 joints. In the rows provided, replace the default orientations with the Dip and Dip Direction of the 3 joints you wish to use in the analysis.

Note: Joint Orientations can also be imported into Unwedge from a DIPS .DWP file. See the Import Joints from DIPS topic for details.

The Stereonet at the right of the dialog displays a stereographic projection of the joint planes and tunnel axis.

  1. Assigning Joint Properties - for each joint, select the name of the Joint Property that you wish to assign to the joint, from the Properties column. The joint property determines the strength characteristics of each joint. Note:

  2. Select the Apply button to view results without closing the dialog, or select OK to close the dialog.

Multiple Joint Combinations

If you have more than 3 joint orientations that you need to analyze, any number of joints can be defined in the Joint Orientations dialog using the Add option. Then any combination of 3 joints can be selected with the Joint Combinations option. See the Multiple Joint Combinations topic for details.

Stereonet View

The Stereonet View allows you to view a full screen stereographic projection of your joint orientations and tunnel axis. The Stereonet View also allows you to input or modify the joint orientations directly in the Sidebar.

Joint Colours

The Joint Colours are used to display the selected joints on the stereonet, and also to display the joint planes on the wedges in the 3D Wedge Views (the "Colour Joints in 3D Views" checkbox in the Display Options dialog). The Joint Colours are defined in the Display Options dialog under the General tab.