Learning

Itasca Educational Partnership

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Software Tutorials

FLAC3D 6.0 PFC Plugin Conveyor
Bonded Block Model with Cable Ground Support

Cable elements in 3DEC may be assigned a tensile yield force limit and an axial rupture strain in order to simulate cable rupture. 3DEC can also simulate the shearing resistance along the cable length between the grout and either the cable or the host material.

MINEDW Tutorial (Part 4: Meshing)

In this tutorial we will go over meshing, from the creation of a 2D mesh and how to import it to MINEDW, to the inclusion of topography, layers, and pinch-outs to different areas of interest in the model.

Technical Papers

Which fractures are imaged with Ground Penetrating Radar? Results from an experiment in the Äspö Hardrock Laboratory, Sweden

Identifying fractures in the subsurface is crucial for many geomechanical and hydrogeological applications. Here, we assess the ability of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) method to image open fractures with sub-mm apertures in the context of future deep disposal of radioactive waste.

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.

A Calibrated Predictive Geochemical Model of Leaching and Attenuation Reactions in a Mine Pit Lake

A geochemical model was developed to predict future water quality of the Cove pit lake in support of site closure and regulatory permitting.

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...
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  • WEBINAR: Solving Geothermal Challenges with XSite Numerical Modeling ITASCA Software and Baker Hughes are hosting a collaborative webinar to demonstrate how combining advanced...
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  • 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...
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Upcoming Events
26 Oct
ITASCA at Slope Stability 2026: Strategic Sponsor and Technical Contributor_2
ITASCA is proud to participate as a Strategic Sponsor in Slope Stability 2026, one of the world’s leading international symposiums focu... Read More
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