Python in Itasca Software
OnlineJun 11, 2025 - Jun 12, 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.
IMAT Training: Revolutionizing Mining Analysis with Seismology & Numerical Modeling
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesJun 16, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
Explore IMAT’s latest upgrade, uniting open-pit and underground mining capabilities for faster, smarter, and more efficient modeling.
Analyses of Embankment Dams and Slopes using FLAC2D/3D
OnlineMay 28, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
This course will lead participants in using FLAC2D and FLAC3D to conduct complex analyses of embankment dams and slopes. The training is composed of multiple presentations and step-by-step tutorials.
Itasca Educational Partnership
ITASCA Educational Partnership (IEP) Programs
IEP Research Program
IEP Teaching Program
Software Tutorials
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.
Creating Groups Interactively and Automatically using the Model Pane
In this tutorial, we review how to automatically skin models, identify and group zone faces, and interactively select and group zones and zone faces. This tutorial also illustrates using the Model Pane to interactively add a shell structural element along a tunnel.
FLAC3D 6.0 Easily Add Structural Support
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.
PFC (Particle Flow Code): Rock Cutting Excerpt
Historical development and engineering applications using PFC2D and PFC3D.
A DFN–DEM Multi‑scale Modeling Approach for Simulating Tunnel Excavation Response in Jointed Rock Masses
Based on the concept of the representative elementary volume (REV) and the synthetic rock mass (SRM) modeling technique, a DFN–DEM multi-scale modeling approach is proposed for modeling excavation responses in jointed rock masses. Based on the DFN models of various scales, equivalent rock mass properties are obtained using 3DEC SRM models. A tunnel excavation simulation using data from the Äspö TAS08 tunnel is conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed multi-scale modeling approach.