At the heart of LSS is an interactive design interface. The user works with the design graphically and in 3D and, while most functions use the standard LSS wizard menu-based approach, the more specialist earthworks design tasks may be achieved easily and efficiently using simple template scripts. Sidewall design is the most commonly used tool in open pit design. Simple, plain English menu options guide the user through the design task and allow complete control over slope height and width, bench width, mitreing of corners and the choice of where the design should begin and end - from any combination of to/from datum, tilted plane or 3D model. Once complete, the pit design may be compared with the original model and volumes determined, then pasted into the original model to produce a combined ‘finished’ model.
Template design facilities allow the generation of complex earthworks sections. The on-screen help clearly documents all the possible combinations.
Some tasks, such as Sidewall Design, are performed using comprehensive pre-programmed menus.Other such tasks include parallel and variable offset design, longitudinal gradient, CO-GO and 2D or 3D digitise with or without a digitising tablet.
SPEAKING VOLUMES
Widely respected since the mid 1980s for the accuracy and reliability of its volume calculations, LSS contains many new and innovative volume techniques to satisfy the most complex of reporting requirements. When calculating the cut/fill volume between two models, LSS will subdivide the report by ‘surfaces’ in the first, second or third model, all in one simple step. The results are presented in a tabular form and exportable in spreadsheet format. And while other systems may require the user to determine a common boundary between the two models before any volumes can be determined, LSS performs the calculation without the need for any manual user intervention. This approach consistently results in quick and accurate volumes.
Volumes may be calculated in one of the following ways
Between two models by complex vertical prisms (taking into account all
points in both models - including breaklines) and broken down by surfaces
in the first model and taken to the depth of construction if required.
Then further broken down by:
Surfaces in the second or third model (surfaces may represent material
type, royalty zones, working phases etc)
Above and below a third model
Above and below a datum
Above and below a titled plane
Up to 25 user-specified horizontal height bands (at individual or regular
intervals)
Cut-band layers or columns
Alternatively volumes:
to a datum
to a second model using sections (end-area method)
In Addition:
Isopachyte models
Cut/Fill line and level difference contours
Restoration surfaces
Settlement exercises
