Learning

Itasca Educational Partnership

ITASCA Academics

Software Tutorials

Generating Videos via Plots

This tutorial illustrates how to generate movies from FLAC3D plots. It is also applicable for 3DEC, PFC, and UDEC.

Loops, Splitting, and Operators

When constructing or running simulations, you may want to query or modify values associated with all, or some of, the objects in your model (such as zones, nodes, blocks, balls, contacts, rockbolts, etc.). This may be to measure results like stress or displacement, to assign a calculated extra variable for plotting, or to adjust a property value. There are several ways to identify and navigate across all these objects using loops, splitting, and operators — with each one becoming easier and faster to execute. See how you can apply all of these approaches in a tutorial where a zone property is randomly assigned for strength variability throughout the model. You will also see how much easier and faster these approaches have become. Applying model property distributions via the PROPERTY command is also reviewed.

Proppant in Fluid Filled Joints

The transport and placement of proppant within fractures is modeled in 3DEC by representing the proppant and fracturing fluid as a mixture.

Technical Papers

Graph-based flow modeling approach adapted to multiscale discrete-fracture-network models

In this study, we address the issue of using graphs to predict flow as a fast and relevant substitute to classical DFNs. We consider two types of graphs, whether the nodes represent the fractures or the intersections between fractures.

A Discrete Fracture Network Model With Stress-Driven Nucleation: Impact on Clustering, Connectivity, and Topology

The realism of Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models relies on the spatial organization of fractures, which is not issued by purely stochastic DFN models. In this study, we introduce correlations between fractures by enhancing the genetic model (UFM) of Davy et al. [1] based on simplified concepts of nucleation, growth and arrest with hierarchical rules.

Blast Movement Simulation Through a Hybrid Approach of Continuum, Discontinuum, and Machine Learning Modeling

This work presents a hybrid modeling approach to efficiently estimate and optimize rock movement during blasting. A small-scale continuum model simulates early-stage, near-field blasting physics and generates synthetic data to train a machine learning (ML) model. Key parameters such as expanded hole diameter, burden velocity, and gas pressure are obtained through the ML model, which then inform a discontinuum model to predict far-field muckpile formation. The approach captures essential blast physics while significantly accelerating blast design optimization.

Latest News
  • ITASCA Strengthens North American Delivery of Integrated Geomechanics and Hydrogeology Solutions Drawing on decades of geomechanical and hydrogeological expertise, ITASCA has announced the formation of ITASCA...
    Read More
  • WEBINAR: Solving Geothermal Challenges with XSite Numerical Modeling ITASCA Software and Baker Hughes are hosting a collaborative webinar to demonstrate how combining advanced...
    Read More
  • Twin Ports Interchange Project Named Winner of ACEC/MN Grand Award Innovative ground improvement strategy secures long-term stability for the region's busiest artery for commerce and...
    Read More

Upcoming Events
26 Oct
ITASCA at Slope Stability 2026: Strategic Sponsor and Technical Contributor
ITASCA is proud to participate as a Strategic Sponsor in Slope Stability 2026, one of the world’s leading international symposiums focu... Read More
8 Nov
ITASCA to Attend Tailings & Mine Waste 2026
This November, ITASCA will participate in Tailings & Mine Waste 2026 (TMW 2026), taking place from 8–11 November 2026 in Westminste... Read More
17 Nov
Visit ITASCA at Ground Support 2026
ITASCA will be participating in Ground Support 2026, the conference dedicated to ground support in mining and civil engineering, taking... Read More