The Crack Top feature in RS2 offers several key functionalities:
RS2 (formerly Phase2) is a 2D finite element program primarily used for stress analysis in geotechnical projects. To model "cracks" or "failure surfaces" at the top of a model (such as a slope crest), you can use several specialized techniques: Tension Cracks in Slopes rocscience rs2 crack top
| Result | Value | | --- | --- | | Maximum displacement | 0.5 mm | | Maximum stress | 100 kPa | | Crack opening displacement | 0.1 mm | The Crack Top feature in RS2 offers several
: To simulate pre-existing cracks or structural weaknesses, you can use the Joint Network | | Crack‑Top “sticks” (no opening) even under
| Problem | Why it happens | Quick fix | |---------|----------------|-----------| | | Joint stiffness too low → contact algorithm “jumps”. | Increase normal stiffness, add a small penalty damping (0.05–0.1), or reduce the load increment. | | Crack‑Top “sticks” (no opening) even under large tensile load | Friction angle set too high or tensile strength > 0. | Set Friction = 0° for pure tension tests, or lower the Tensile Strength to a realistic value (< σ_t). | | Mesh distortion near the crack | Very coarse mesh + large deformations. | Refine the mesh locally, or enable Remeshing (available in the latest RS2 2025+ builds). | | Unexpected “locking” of the joint | Contact damping too low → oscillations that the solver interprets as “stuck”. | Raise Contact Damping to 0.1–0.2. | | Energy not conserved (large artificial energy spikes) | Incompatible time step in dynamic runs. | Use adaptive time stepping, or manually halve the Δt . | | Results look “symmetric” even though load is eccentric | Model symmetry (mirrored boundary conditions) overriding load. | Double‑check that only the desired side has the point load; disable symmetry planes if you need an asymmetric response. |
Using unauthorized software in a professional geotechnical or civil engineering environment carries high stakes: