Experience the Future of Geotechnical Modeling with ITASCA Software V9.2

Introducing Machine Learning Models and Cluster Computing

Minneapolis, Minnesota — October 1, 2024 — ITASCA, a global leader in geomechanics software, is thrilled to announce the release of ITASCA Software V9.2, featuring two groundbreaking advancements: revolutionary Machine Learning (ML) models and cutting-edge cluster computing in FLAC3D. These enhancements set a new standard in geotechnical software, offering unprecedented capabilities for modeling and analysis.

Revolutionary Machine Learning Models in V9.2

ITASCA proudly introduces its innovative Machine Learning (ML) models in FLAC2D and FLAC3D V9.2, a significant leap forward in geotechnical modeling. The new ML model leverages advanced ITASCA machine learning research, incorporating a vast dataset to enhance the accuracy of its analysis and predictions. By applying machine learning techniques to this extensive data, the model improves its ability to identify patterns and relationships within complex geotechnical conditions. This approach enables more reliable and efficient assessments, providing users with insights grounded in a combination of traditional geomechanical principles and cutting-edge data-driven technologies. The result is a tool that offers enhanced predictive power, leading to better decision-making in slope stability and related applications.

Designed to simplify and accelerate the modeling process, these ML models allow users of all skill levels to test various outcomes effortlessly. By utilizing an intuitive slider-based interface, users can adjust model parameters and observe results in real-time, without any programming or scripting expertise. Users can then export their model into FLAC for further customization.

Leading the industry with this groundbreaking approach, ITASCA is at the forefront of integrating machine learning into commercial geotechnical software. This advancement represents a pivotal shift in how complex geotechnical problems are approached and solved, making advanced modeling accessible and actionable for professionals across various sectors.

With ITASCA Software V9.2, we are proud to introduce a new era of geomechanical modeling. Our ML models are designed to empower engineers and researchers by simplifying complex simulations and providing rapid insights. This release underscores ITASCA’s commitment to innovation and excellence, reinforcing our leadership in the geomechanical industry for over 43 years.

KEY BENEFITS of ML MODELS in FLAC2D/FLAC3D V9.2:

• Ease of Use: Transform your modeling experience with a user-friendly interface that simplifies parameter adjustments and accelerates exploration of different scenarios.

• Rapid Insights: Quickly gain insights by continuously modifying model inputs and observing outcomes, significantly speeding up the understanding of complex geotechnical problems.

• Enhanced Speed and Efficiency: Instantly visualize the impact of parameter changes, facilitating rapid scenario testing and decision-making.

• State of the Art Modeling: Leverage over a decade of quantitative and qualitative analysis in simple geomechanical tools

• No Scripting Required: Focus on results, not code. Our ML models make advanced modeling accessible to everyone, eliminating the need for scripting.

APPLICATIONS and USE CASES:

• Academic: Enhance teaching by incorporating advanced machine learning tools with intuitive modeling software, empowering students and researchers to easily grasp and explore complex geotechnical concepts.

• Commercial: Improve project outcomes and efficiency with rapid, accurate modeling that supports informed decision-making in commercial projects.

• Consultancy: Deliver exceptional value to clients by leveraging advanced ML models to address complex geotechnical challenges swiftly and effectively.

The initial ML models focus on rock slope stability, with future releases promising additional capabilities to tackle a broader range of challenges.

Accelerate Your Modeling with Cluster Computing in FLAC3D V9.2

ITASCA Software V9.2 introduces cluster computing capabilities in FLAC3D, leveraging the power of High-Performance Computing (HPC) networks. This revolutionary option significantly accelerates computational modeling by distributing tasks across multiple computers, drastically reducing simulation times and enhancing efficiency.

"The integration of cluster computing technology into FLAC3D V9.2 sets a new benchmark for modeling performance,” remarked Jim Hazzard, ITASCA Product Director. “By harnessing the power of MPI to distribute computational tasks, we are delivering unparalleled efficiency and speed. This advancement allows engineers and researchers to tackle more complex simulations in significantly less time.”

KEY BENEFITS of CLUSTER COMPUTING:

• Performance Enhancement: The core benefit lies in the dramatic speed boost that cluster computing offers. By distributing tasks across multiple computers, users can accelerate simulations that traditionally take hours, days, or weeks.

• Efficiency: Optimize resource utilization and reduce computational overhead.

• Scalability: Seamlessly scale your computations from small to large-scale models.

• Customizable Performance: Choose between using your own HPC hardware or renting cloud-based HPC systems, with flexible pricing.

APPLICATION and USE CASES:

ITASCA Software V9.2 with cluster computing is ideal for a wide range of applications:

• Dynamic & Seismic Analysis: Since seismic simulations require high precision and extensive computations, this feature drastically reduces time by distributing workloads. This is particularly valuable for evaluating effects of earthquakes and simulation of liquefaction.

• Mining: Optimize the modeling of excavation, ground behavior, and mineral extraction processes, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency. You can represent an entire pit in detail rather than just geotechnical sectors, or complex cave pit interactions at mine scale.

• Civil Engineering: Enhance the simulation of stability assessments for your infrastructure projects, delivering faster, accurate results.

Additional New Features

New AI Assistant: Integrated into V9.2 products, our AI assistant is trained on ITASCA's extensive documentation and scripting capabilities. Clients can ask questions about the software, including how to script specific solutions, and receive expert guidance. With support in 95 languages, this feature greatly enhances the software’s accessibility and usability worldwide.

New Joint-Set Logic: The latest update to FLAC2D and FLAC3D sketch incorporates a UDEC capability of modeling joints through rock. Users can assign custom group slots and utilize the new Joint-Set logic and dialog, complete with a preview feature for more efficient joint-set generation.

New Structural Element Capabilities: Users can now plot bar charts for 1D structural elements, enabling better visualization of element performance. Additionally, the update includes the ability to generate Moment-Thrust and Thrust-Shear diagrams, offering enhanced insights into the forces and interactions within structural components.

New Plastic Strain Tensors: This feature enables the calculation of accumulated plastic strain tensors, allowing users to extract synthetic seismic magnitudes and moment tensors. It is applicable to various constitutive models, including Mohr-Coulomb, Hoek-Brown, IMASS (optional), Ubiquitous-joint, and Softening/Hardening Ubiquitous-joint (SUBI). To activate this functionality, use the command MODEL PLASTIC-STRAIN ON.

Fluid Flow: The latest 3DEC update introduces implicit fluid flow in joints, offering up to 30 times faster fluid flow analysis. This improvement accelerates simulations, enabling more efficient modeling of fluid behavior in jointed rock masses, drastically reducing analysis time while maintaining precision.

Constitutive Model: The new Curved Mohr-Coulomb model (FLAC2D, FLAC3D, 3DEC) offers improved accuracy in modeling material behavior while saving users valuable time. By accounting for nonlinear strength envelopes, this model provides a more precise representation of material properties, enhancing the reliability of simulations and reducing the need for manual adjustments.

Performance: Recent enhancements have dramatically increased the speed of key model operations. For a 30 GB test model, MODEL RESTORE is now 3.1 times faster, MODEL NEW is 3.5 times faster, and MODEL SAVE is 1.7 times faster. These improvements streamline workflows and boost efficiency, enabling users to manage large models with greater ease.

MassFlow: The latest updates introduce new generative markers that enhance the modeling of gravitational rock flow outside the caving propagation zone. This functionality enables the simulation of rock flow through Rilling and collapse behaviors, making it especially relevant for modeling the subsidence of open pit mines during transitions to underground mining and addressing the collapse of air gaps and abandoned areas in underground operations.

Get Started

Experience the future of geotechnical modeling with ITASCA Software V9.2. Explore the revolutionary Machine Learning based models in FLAC2D and the cutting-edge cluster computing in FLAC3D to transform your projects with unprecedented speed, efficiency, and insight.

For more information about ITASCA Software V9.2 and to schedule a personalized demonstration, visit our website or contact our team .

About ITASCA

ITASCA is an employee-owned engineering software development and consulting company recognized globally for its expertise in geomechanics and hydrogeology. With a commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions, ITASCA blends local experience with a global perspective. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ITASCA operates ten global offices and employs over 200 professionals dedicated to advancing engineering design and numerical modeling.

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James Arth
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marketing@itascacg.com

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For additional information or inquiries, please contact James Arth at marketing@itascacg.com.