Learning

Software Tutorials

FLAC3D 7.0 Geometry Mesh Tutorial

This tutorial demonstrates how to generate a 3D volume mesh from surface geometry imported from DXF or STL files. Both hexahedral-dominant and tetrahedral meshes can be generated automatically using the "zone generate from-geometry ..." command in FLAC3D 7. The results of various keywords are shown.

Plotting Borehole Core Data using Geometry and FISH

In this example, you will see how to create your own custom plot of drill core data containing location, orientation, depth, and geotechnical data (lithography. fracture count, rock strength, weathering, and RMR).

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.

Technical Papers

GPR-inferred fracture aperture widening in response to a high-pressure tracer injection test at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, Sweden

We assess the performance of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) method in fractured rock formations of very low transmissivity (e.g. T ≈ 10−9–10−10 m2/s for sub-mm apertures) and, more specifically, to image fracture widening induced by high-pressure injections. A field-scale experiment was conducted at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (Sweden) in a tunnel situated at 410 m depth. The tracer test was performed within the most transmissive sections of two boreholes separated by 4.2 m. The electrically resistive tracer solution composed of deionized water and Uranine was expected to lead to decreasing GPR reflections with respect to the saline in situ formation water.

Numerical Evaluation of Effectiveness of Drainwells in Dewatering Overburden at Surface Coal Mines

Typical sedimentary sequences overlying coal seams consist of interbedded sandstones, siltstones, shales, and rider coal seams.

Solving rock mechanics issues through modelling: then, now, and in the future?