Quick Start

Estimated reading time: 4 min Last updated:
Quick Start

Run your first simulation

A short route through Slope Optimiser for new users: prepare data, import or create a section, define properties, run the simulation, review results, and export outputs.

1Prepare dataCheck geometry quality before importing or slicing sections. 2Create sectionImport a DXF section or slice one from 3D stratigraphy. 3Define propertiesSet bench, rock, general, and optional inputs. 4Run simulationConfigure the account and folder, then submit the cloud job. 5Review and exportFetch results and export profiles or block models.
Step 1

Prepare input data

Clean input geometry improves slicing, material assignment, and simulation reliability.

Before creating a simulation, check that the imported DXF sections or 3D stratigraphy data are suitable for modelling.

Focus on:

  • clean and continuous section boundaries;
  • correct layer organisation;
  • minimal gaps or overlaps;
  • realistic geometry around the expected slope area;
  • consistent units and coordinates.

Review the Data Preparation page before working with new project data.

Open Data Preparation Review geometry quality, DXF preparation, layer organisation, gaps, overlaps, and input suitability.

Step 2

Import or create a section

Start from an existing DXF section or generate a section from 3D stratigraphy.

You can create the analysis section in two main ways:

  1. Directly import a DXF section using File -> Import Section -> DXF.
  2. Import 3D stratigraphy using File -> Import Stratigraphy -> DXF, then create a section using the slicing tool.

Use direct DXF import when your section is already prepared. Use slicing when the section must be generated from 3D geological solids or wireframes.

For slicing, open the tool, click Select visible models, choose the plane direction, and position the live clipping plane. Drag the arrow handle to move the plane. For a vertical plane, drag the circular rotation handle to rotate the plane and change its azimuth. Review the live preview before clicking Slice.

Workflow: Importing SectionsFollow the workflow step for importing or generating sections. SlicingCreate sections from imported 3D stratigraphy.
Step 3

Define properties

Set the inputs required for the selected section before running the simulation.

At minimum, check and define:

  • Bench properties such as bench height, bench face angle, berm width, and number of benches.
  • Rock properties using the appropriate strength model.
  • Slope anchor: use a crest with a target slope height, or define the toe position and elevation and let the software calculate slope height.
  • General section properties such as failure direction and target Factor of Safety.
  • Optional inputs, such as a water table and pressure method, line or distributed loads, roads, tension cracks, and faults.

Check the active slope anchor: A crest too close to the boundary can move the OSA search region outside the ground surface. A toe must have valid X and Z coordinates and remain inside the section, at or below the topography, and above the section floor.

Open Properties Review slope anchors, bench and rock inputs, loads, roads, groundwater, and fault settings.

Step 4

Run the simulation

Submit the simulation after account, folder, and input checks are complete.

Before starting:

  1. Select the section of interest.
  2. Choose Automatic or Custom under Simulation results location. Automatic mode requires a saved project; Custom mode requires an existing selected folder.
  3. Configure the user profile under Tools -> Settings -> Account if this is the first cloud run.
  4. Click Start and resolve every item in Simulation Check. Use Fix to open and highlight the affected input, then select Check Again.
  5. When the check passes, click Start again and review any later geometry or groundwater warnings.
  6. Monitor the Node status summary while the simulation runs. Open the panel and select a node to inspect its output; use Show main output to return to the main log.
  7. Fetch results when they are available.
Workflow: Running SimulationsSee the detailed simulation workflow. Help and SolutionsCheck common issues before and after running simulations.
Step 5

Review and export results

Fetch simulation outputs, review the result plot and logs, then export downstream files.

After the simulation is complete:

  • review the interactive result plot and logs;
  • use the first plot-toolbar button to fit the plot, then control the legend and visible items, change the theme, copy the plot, or save it as PNG/SVG;
  • detach plots and keep multiple cross-section results open for comparison;
  • export the optimised slope profile to DXF if it is needed for external workflows;
  • create a new project cross-section from the optimised output when required;
  • export a section block model when the section is associated with 3D stratigraphy;
  • use downstream import steps for RS2 or Datamine where relevant.
Export DXFExport the optimised slope profile for external analysis. Export Block ModelCreate a block model using optimised slope-angle results. Import into DatamineImport and combine exported block model data in Datamine.
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