Automating back analysis in RS2: practical calibration workflow for ground engineers
Reviewed by Tom Sullivan

First reported on Geoengineer.org – News
30 Second Briefing
Automating back analysis in Rocscience RS2 is enabling geotechnical teams to calibrate deep excavation models by iteratively adjusting soil stiffness, strength parameters and support properties against monitored wall deflections and ground movements. The workflow uses Python scripting and RS2’s API to batch-run hundreds of finite element models, compare calculated displacements with inclinometer data, and systematically narrow parameter ranges instead of relying on manual trial‑and‑error. This approach scales to large projects with multiple stages and construction sequences, improving confidence in design envelopes and trigger levels for observational method schemes.
Technical Brief
- Misfit between measured and computed displacements is quantified using objective functions, not visual judgement.
- Parameter search is constrained within pre-defined geotechnical ranges, avoiding unrealistic stiffness or strength combinations.
Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.
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