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Height from Toe of Wedge to Top of Wedge Calculator

Height from Toe of Wedge to Top of Wedge Formula:

\[ H = \frac{h}{\frac{\sin\left(\frac{(\theta_i - \theta)\pi}{180}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{\theta_i\pi}{180}\right)}} \]

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1. What is Height from Toe of Wedge to Top of Wedge?

Definition: This calculation determines the vertical height from the base (toe) to the top of a soil wedge in slope stability analysis.

Purpose: It's crucial for geotechnical engineers analyzing slope stability and potential failure planes in soil mechanics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ H = \frac{h}{\frac{\sin\left(\frac{(\theta_i - \theta)\pi}{180}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{\theta_i\pi}{180}\right)}} \]

Where:

  • \( H \) — Height from toe to top of wedge (meters)
  • \( h \) — Height of the wedge (meters)
  • \( \theta_i \) — Angle of inclination (degrees)
  • \( \theta \) — Slope angle (degrees)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the geometric relationship between the wedge dimensions and the angles of the slope and failure plane.

3. Importance of This Calculation

Details: Accurate determination of wedge height is essential for assessing slope stability, designing retaining structures, and preventing landslides.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

  • Enter the height of the wedge in meters
  • Input the angle of inclination and slope angle in degrees
  • Specify tolerance percentage (default ±5%) for practical range
  • All values must be positive numbers

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical tolerance used in practice?
A: A ±5% tolerance is common, but this may vary based on project requirements and soil conditions.

Q2: How do I measure the angle of inclination?
A: The angle of inclination is typically measured from field surveys or estimated from soil properties and failure plane observations.

Q3: What units should I use for angles?
A: All angles should be entered in degrees (not radians) for this calculator.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for rock slopes?
A: The same principle applies, but rock mechanics may require additional considerations for joint patterns and rock strength.

Q5: Why is the height range important?
A: The range accounts for natural variability in soil properties and provides a safety margin in design.

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