Why Choose 3DEC?

POWERFUL

  • Both continuum and discrete model simulations possible
  • Numerical stability with large displacements, including collapse
  • Build very large models (64-bit)
  • 12 built-in material behaviors and 8 creep constitutive models
  • 6 built-in joint models
  • Automatic Factor of Safety analysis
  • Capable of groundwater flow, including flow through joints and groundwater matrix (i.e., permeable solids) fluid-flow between fractures
  • Proppant simulation in fluid-filled joints
  • Coupled mechanical-hydro-thermal solutions possible
  • Accommodate complex materials and pore pressure distributions
  • Assess service limit state criteria
  • Create custom functions using FISH or Python
  • Perform thermal and dynamic analyses (options)
  • Customize material behaviors efficiently using optional C++ User-Defined Models (UDM) for both zones and joints (option)

EFFICIENT

  • Multi-core processing
  • Optimized solution calculations
  • Multi-threaded FISH scripting
  • Customize material behaviors efficiently using optional C++ User-Defined Models (UDM)

RELIABLE

  • Realistic physical solutions
  • Natural evolution of failure
  • Transparent methodology with all equations and algorithms fully documented
  • Built-in constitutive models are open-source; no black boxes
  • Strong software support led by an experienced team of engineers, scientists, and software developers
  • Extensive manuals and documentation
  • Automated update notification

PROVEN

  • Tested against analytical solutions
  • Used by Itasca’s own consulting engineers and scientists
  • A large repository of worked examples and validations with more than 1,000 published journal and conference papers
  • Used worldwide by a wide variety of industries, universities, and government agencies

FLEXIBLE

  • General by design
  • Access to almost all internal variables using FISH or Python scripting
  • CAD interoperability
  • Import/export ASCII data
  • Human-readable data files
  • Users may write their own constitutive models, and may modify, or add to, most of the built-in algorithms using the optional C++ UDM
  • Standard license is portable between computers and users
  • Multiple seat network licenses available
  • Monthly and annual leases available

ECONOMICAL

  • No CPU limits
  • No annual maintenance fee
  • Two instances of 3DEC can be run on a single computer with a standard license
  • Standard license is portable between computers and users
  • Monthly and annual leases available

Latest News
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Upcoming Events
11 Aug
ITASCA Joins Caving 2026 as a Main Sponsor
We are pleased to announce that ITASCA will be participating as a Main Sponsor in Caving 2026, the leading international conference ded... Read More
15 Sep
ITASCA at EUROCK 2026: Advancing Innovation in Rock Engineering
ITASCA is pleased to announce its participation in EUROCK 2026 – ISRM Regional Symposium, taking place from 15–19 September 2026 in Sko... Read More
20 Sep
ITASCA to Participate in CouFrac 2026
ITASCA will be participating in CouFrac 2026, taking place from 20–23 September 2026 in Uppsala, Sweden. The conference brings together... Read More