SlopeX: a plug-in to simplify and fast-track advanced numerical modelling for open pit applications

SlopeX was primarily developed as a plug-in to FLAC3D which helps to reduce the complexity and time taken for beginner to intermediate users to successfully use the software. This plug-in is a collection of several routines, macros and algorithms that automate FLAC3D modelling for open pit mining applications and hence require considerably less expertise to learn and apply. The software features a sleek and easy-to-navigate user interface with real time help drop-downs. The primary advantage of the plug-in over using unsupported FLAC3D, or any other numerical modelling package, is that model construction time is greatly reduced. The plug-in also uses the built-in constitutive model, improved unified constitutive modelling (IUCM), which is a unique and accurate material model developed specifically for rock response to loading. This model was implemented to be detailed and versatile and has been calibrated and verified against over 100 mining cases worldwide.