Getting Started with 3DEC
OnlineMar 11, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025
Objectives of the training:
- Understand the 3DEC numerical approach and the types of problems it can solve
- Know how to manipulate the 3DEC user interface to access and interpret results
- Follow the recommended solution procedure to simulate a simple case
Python in Itasca Software
OnlineMar 26, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025
This course provides an overview of the Python programming language in Itasca software.
The course covers major applications of Python to extend modeling capabilities with the Itasca codes through many applied examples.
Itasca Educational Partnership
ITASCA Educational Partnership (IEP) Programs
IEP Research Program
Itasca's IEP Research Program offers assistance to qualifying graduate students with a desire to utilize Itasca software in their research.
IEP Teaching Program
Software Tutorials
Working with Email in Itasca Software
Learn how you can use commands and functions to send email messages and attachments via Itasca software. Use this capability to inform you when a model has finished running, a result is available (even attach a plot), or the model run is interrupted.
Using Python in Itasca Software
Python scripting is built into current versions of FLAC3D, 3DEC, and PFC. This video introduces users of Itasca software to working with Python and FLAC3D, 3DEC, and PFC types (zones, blocks, ball, structural elements, and so on). The Itasca Module, a comparison with FISH scripting, and object-oriented and array-oriented interfaces are reviewed and demonstrated.
Working with ParaView
Itasca has made it easy to readily export model data from FLAC3D and 3DEC software (version 7+) using the VTK file format.
Technical Papers
Tunnelling and reinforcement in heterogeneous ground – A case study
Abstract
A case study of tunnelling in heterogeneous ground conditions has been analysed. The case involves a tunnel excavated in mixed-face conditions, where the main host material was rock, but for a distance of about 30 m, the tunnel had to be driven through a thick layer of soil, primarily moraine and sandy soil materials.During tunnel drifting, a "chimney" cave developed through the soil layer, resulting in a surface sinkhole.This case was analysed using a three-dimensional numerical model with the FLAC3D software code, in which the soil stratigraphy and tunnel advance were modelled in detail. Tunnel and soil reinforcement in the form of jet grouting of the soil, pipe umbrella arch system, bolting, and shotcreting, was explicitly simulated in the model. The studyaimed at comparing model results with observations and measurements of ground behaviour, and to replicate the major deformation pattern observed. The modelling work was based on a previous generic study in which various factors influencing tunnel and ground surface deformations were analysed for different cases of heterogeneous ground conditions.Model calibration was performed through adjusting the soil shear strength. The calibration provided a qualitatively good agreement with observed behaviour. Calculated deformations on the ground surface were in line with measured deformations, and the location of the tunnel collapse predicted by the model. The installed tunnel reinforcement proved to be critical to match with observed behaviour. Without installed pipe umbrella arch system, calculated deformations were overestimated, and exclusion of jet grouting caused collapse of the tunnel. These findings prove that, in particular, jet grouting of the soil layer was necessary for the successful tunnel advance through the soil layer.
Connectivity, permeability, and channeling in randomly distributed and kinematically defined discrete fracture network models
A major use of DFN models for industrial applications is to evaluate permeability and flow structure in hardrock aquifers from geological observations of fracture networks. The relationship between the statistical fracture density distributions and permeability has been extensively studied, but there has been little interest in the spatial structure of DFN models, which is generally assumed to be spatially random (i.e., Poisson). In this paper, we compare the predictions of Poisson DFNs to new DFN models where fractures result from a growth process defined by simplified kinematic rules for nucleation, growth, and fracture arrest.
Using MINEDWto simulate pore pressure as input for FLAC3Dand 3DEC
It has become common practice to create a three-dimensional (3-D) geomechanical model for the analysis of rock stability.