Rocksolver explained

Rocksolver animation

80 seconds

This animation illustrates the concept behind the Rocksolver technology.

Vibration packing

18 seconds

Rocksolver manipulates virtual rocks using a physics engine to simulate the vibration packing of a collection of irregular objects in a box.

Pack, replay, test

28 seconds

Virtual rocks fall into a container forming an unstable arrangement, Rocksolver records their positions, the packing sequence is replayed then structural stability is tested by removing the container.

Rocksolver builds a wall

4 seconds

Short video showing a virtual wall built by Rocksolver and the real wall built following Rocksolver's plans.

Rocksolver

Probably the best way to understand how Rocksolver works is to watch these video clips.

Alternatively, imagine the mental 3D geometric manipulations going on inside the mind of a stone mason as he or she builds a drystone wall. That's what Rocksolver does, and a lot more. Rocksolver can accurately "remember" the shapes of an unlimited number of rocks which have been scanning or digitised in an unlimited number of locations. Rocksolver provides an accurate, quantitative 3D map of the whole structure for analysis by geotechnical engineers. Rocksolver will enable builders, landscapers, engineers, architects and owners to input their design criteria and watch any number of virtual structures being built before choosing the one to build.

Rocksolver will add certainty to the choice and placement of rocks weighing several kilograms or several tonnes and optimises the use of the world's largest resource of sustainable building material.

Rocksolver is currently (May 2010) undergoing proof-of-concept testing. Have a look at the videos on this page to see the latest results.