Ramp properties

You can use this function to review or change the ramp design parameters for any segment that has one or more ramps. You might need to do this if there is a need to change the ramp width or gradient while you are designing a pit. It is also possible to delete a ramp definition from a segment, effectively terminating the creation of the ramp at that point.

To run this function: Choose Design > Pit design > Ramp properties, or...

In the Function Chooser, type EDIT RAMP DEFINITIONS, and press ENTER.

It is not possible to alter the ramp type. That is, you cannot change an 'all cut' ramp to a circular ramp, nor can you change a circular ramp to an all cut ramp.

It is possible to delete one type of ramp and then define a new ramp of a different type which starts at the same location. In this way you can change the ramp type indirectly. Similarly, you can choose to create a ramp switchback by deleting the current ramp, manually editing the geometry for the ramp switchback, and then starting a new circular ramp in the opposite direction.

Note: The UNDO function does not work with EDIT RAMP DEFINITIONS. To replace a ramp that you have deleted,use DEFINE NEW RAMP to create the ramp.

Prerequisites: The ramp must be defined using DEFINE NEW RAMP.

The following message is displayed:

Select the segment for which the ramps are to be edited.

In Graphics, select the segment for which the ramp data is to be viewed, edited or deleted.

Fields on the Edit ramp definitions form

Field	Description
Delete	Selected: The ramp definition is deleted from the segment. Any geometry created before you selected this check box is not deleted. Cleared: The ramp definition is not deleted. Note: The ramp is not deleted until you click Apply.
Name	Display only. The name of the ramp.
String	Display only. The string number used for the ramp edge segments.
Type	Display only. The type of the ramp: 'all cut', clockwise, or anti-clockwise.
Width	The width of the ramp. When you change the ramp width, you do not alter any previously created ramp geometry. Only ramp geometry created after changing the ramp width will have the new width.
Gradient 1:	The ramp gradient expressed as a ratio. When you change the ramp gradient, you do not alter any previously created ramp geometry. Only ramp geometry created after changing the ramp gradient will have the new gradient.
Gradient method	The method of calculating the ramp gradient for circular ramps. Gradient method does not affect the calculation of the gradient for 'all cut' ramps because the 'all cut' gradient is calculated along the centre line segment of the ramp. inside edge: The ramp gradient is calculated along the inside edge of any curves in the ramp. The advantage of using this option is that the ramp gradient will never exceed the design gradient because the inside edge is the shortest path from the start of the ramp to the end of the ramp. outside edge: The ramp gradient is calculated along the outside edge of any curves in the ramp. This may be useful when you need the ramp gradient to be greater than or equal to the design gradient. When you use outside edge, the ramp elevations are calculated using the ramp gradient and the longest path from the start of the ramp to the end of the ramp. centre of ramp: This ramp gradient is calculated along the centre of the ramp, that is halfway between the two edges of the ramp. This method will minimise the deviation of the ramp gradient from the design gradient. Changing the gradient method affects only the ramp geometry which is created after the change is made. Previously existing ramp geometry is not affected.
Berm crossing Method	The method of creating ramp geometry at berm crossings for circular ramps is displayed here. This has no effect on the ramp geometry at berm crossings for 'all cut' ramps. exit at crest: This berm crossing method ensures that the ramp and pit wall geometry is created so that the ramp intersects the berm on the crest side of the ramp. exit at toe: This berm crossing method ensures that the ramp and pit wall geometry is created so that the ramp intersects the berm on the toe side of the ramp. exit at crest and toe: This berm crossing method ensures that the ramp and pit wall geometry is created so that the ramp intersects the berm on the crest side of the ramp and on the toe side of the ramp. no berm exit: This berm crossing method will create the ramp and pit wall geometry so that the ramp does not intersect the berms.
Berm crossing Taper distance	The distance used to taper the ramp into the berm where no exit from the ramp to the berm is required. This has no effect on the ramp geometry at berm crossings for 'all cut' ramps. Changes to the berm crossing taper distance will only influence the ramp geometry created after the change is made. Previously existing ramp geometry is not affected.
Switchback angle	The angle, in decimal degrees, that the switchback will turn.
Switchback inner radius	The radius of the inner part of the curve of the switchback.

Output

The new ramp definitions are saved. Surpac will use these definitions for all future ramps created using the string and segment expansion functions on the Pit design menu.