Learning

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Software Tutorials

FLAC3D Quick Start Tutorial

This tutorial steps through the actions necessary to quickly create and solve a FLAC3D model. The focus of this tutorial is to provide you with a basic familiarity with the user interface and recommended work flow.

PFC 7 Balls in a Box

This tutorial will guide you through the main steps required to build a simple PFC model with 30 interacting balls in a box using the linear contact model.

An Introduction to Python Scripting: Part 1

Introduction to Python scripting by reviewing key concepts and through demonstrations. Part 1 focuses on installing Python, variables and types, conditions and loops, and functions.

Technical Papers

The role of rock mass heterogeneity and buckling mechanisms in excavation performance in foliated ground at Westwood Mine, Quebec

Operations at Westwood mine in Quebec, Canada were temporarily halted in May 2015 after three large-magnitude seismic events occurred over two days. The mechanisms leading to these events, which caused severe damage to several accesses, were not well understood at first. This paper presents the key aspects of FLAC3D back-analysis modelling, which include (1) an anisotropic rock mass strength model with properties derived from field and laboratory strength testing, and (2) a scheme to account implicitly for the deconfinement that accompanies buckling around excavations.

Use of a Finite Element Code to Model Complex Mine Water Problems

Numerical models are now used routinely to predict ground-water inflows to both surface and underground mines and to help design dewatering systems.

Neutral mine drainage water-quality impacts from a form taconite mine

Surface waters at the site of a former Minnesota taconite mine were reported to have solute concentrations elevated with respect to water-quality standards.