ITASCA Software Insights Newsletter
Updates, insights, and ideas from the world of advanced geotechnical engineering software.
August 2026 Issue: What’s New, Introducing MPoint, Learning Resources, and 20% Off ITASCA Software
Welcome to the August edition of ITASCA Software Insights, where we highlight technical resources for geomechanics and mining professionals. This month, we have webinars featuring MINEDW, IMAT, and more, articles on improving FLAC3D performance and the new multilingual interface in IMAT, as well a case study showcasing the Material Point Method, the foundation of our newest software tool, MPoint. You’ll also find upcoming training opportunities and events, beta program updates, and a limited-time promotion to help your team get more from ITASCA Software.
This Issue At a Glance
- Webinars: What’s New in MINEDW v9.7 and IMAT, plus revisit Webinar Replays
- IMAT Update: Multilingual interface now available in nine languages
- FLAC3D Tips: Practical techniques for improving model performance
- Special Offer: Save 20% on ITASCA Software through August 31 with code DIGDEEP20
- Training Courses: Meshing in ITASCA Software and Python in ITASCA Software
- Meet Us in Person: Dam Safety 2026 and Eurock 2026
- Case Studies: Material Point Method for large deformation and PFC modeling of the Leo slope failure
- Coming Soon: MINEDW v9.7 and more updates across ITASCA Software
- Beta Program: Early access to test v9.8 updates, Griddle v3.1, and MPoint
- Academic Resources for educators and students
- Join the Community: Connect with fellow users on the ITASCA Software Forum
ITASCA Software Webinars
Upcoming Webinar: What’s New in MINEDW 9.7
August 27, 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 AM CDT
Discover how the latest updates in MINEDW can streamline your groundwater modeling workflows. In this session:
- Master the new Sketch Tool workflow (DXF import, geometry editing, and 2D-to-3D mesh generation).
- Integrate MINEDW pore pressure results with IMAT and FLAC3D for coupled geomechanical modeling.
➡️ Register now
Webinar Replays: Missed it Live? Watch it On Demand
🔹3D Modeling for Slope Stability
When is a 3D model necessary for slope stability analysis, and when is a 2D approach sufficient? In this webinar, Dr. Loren Lorig examines the advantages and limitations of 2D and 3D numerical modeling for open pit mine slope analysis, including common misconceptions about the use of 3D models and their role in engineering decision-making.
Want to learn more about selecting the right modeling approach for your slope stability project?
🔹Modeling Faults and Discontinuities using Zone Joints in FLAC3D & IMAT
Geological structures such as faults and discontinuities can significantly influence engineering behavior and stability. In this webinar, ITASCA experts demonstrate an approach for explicitly modeling these features using Zone Joints in FLAC3D and IMAT, with slope stability examples that illustrate how geological structures can be incorporated into numerical models. The presentation also covers model development workflows using Griddle and Rhino3D.
🔹Curious about IMAT?
IMAT (ITASCA’s Mining Analysis Toolbox) is a mine-scale geomechanical modeling platform with a streamlined interface powered by FLAC3D. Learn how IMAT can support underground mine analysis through an accessible interface in this introductory video series that offers an overview of the software, workflows, live examples, and demo of the open pit module.
Watch the introductory video series to see how IMAT helps engineers perform mine-scale geomechanical analyses through a practical, user-friendly workflow.
What’s New in ITASCA Software
🔹MPoint
ITASCA is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of MPoint2D and MPoint3D, the industry’s first commercially available geotechnical software tool built on the Material Point Method. Purpose-built to simulate large deformation in geotechnical engineering applications, MPoint is ideal for analyzing tailings dams, slopes, embankments, and foundations under extreme deformation. Currently available in beta.
🔹MINEDW
The latest version of MINEDW (v9.7), ITASCA’s groundwater flow modeling software, includes a new Sketch tool to generate a 2D surface mesh that easily extends into a full 3D model.
🔹XSite
Version 9.8 of XSite, our powerful tool for advanced hydraulic fracturing simulation, offers users a new interface and performance improvements.
ITASCA Software Blog
🔹IMAT Now Available in Nine Languages
ITASCA’s Mining Analysis Toolbox (IMAT) now includes a multilingual user interface, allowing mining professionals to work in one of nine supported languages. Designed for global teams, this enhancement helps improve accessibility, simplifies the onboarding process, and makes mine-scale geomechanical modeling more intuitive by letting users work in their preferred language.
➡️ Read the article to learn more about localization options and how to access the language settings in IMAT.
🔹9 Tips for Boosting FLAC3D Model Performance
Long run times can slow project progress and limit the number of design iterations you can evaluate. This blog shares practical techniques that can help FLAC3D users reduce computation time while maintaining model quality and reliability, including mesh optimization, multi-threaded FISH, dynamic multi-stepping, damping considerations, and hardware recommendations.
➡️ Read the article to learn actionable ways to accelerate your FLAC3D simulations.
Give Your Team the Tools to Do More: 20% Savings Ends Soon
As the seasons start to change and project workloads ramp up, now is the time to ensure engineers have the software they need to execute.
Whether you’re expanding your license pool, upgrading to the latest software release, or adding new modeling capabilities, take advantage of this promotion to help your team accomplish more before project demands peak.
For a limited time, save 20% on all ITASCA Software products, including new subscriptions, perpetual licenses, upgrades, and additional seats.
- Use code: DIGDEEP20
- ⏰ Offer ends August 31, 2026
ITASCA Software Training
Take advantage of online training courses and increase your skillset with ITASCA Software.
🔹Meshing in ITASCA Software
This live online course lays the groundwork of mesh generation techniques for ITASCA Software. You’ll learn what makes a good mesh and how to select the right type of mesh and the right meshing tool for FLAC2D, FLAC3D, and 3DEC.
- Date: September 29 – 30, 2026 (two half-days)
- Time: 2:30 – 5:00pm CET (Paris) / 7:30 – 11:00am CT (Chicago)
- Cost: €950 / $1120
➡️ Register Now
🔹Python in ITASCA Software
This live online course provides an introduction to using the Python programming language in ITASCA Software to reach more advanced modeling capabilities. You’ll learn the basics of Python, how it connects to ITASCA Software, and how to apply Python in hands-on modeling examples in FLAC2D, FLAC3D, and 3DEC.
- Date: November 17 – 18, 2026 (two half-days)
- Time: 2:30 – 6:00pm CET (Paris) / 7:30 – 11:00am CT (Chicago)
- Cost: €800 / $950
➡️Register Now
Conferences & Events
Want to connect in person? You can find ITASCA at these events over the coming months.
🔹Dam Safety: August 30 – September 3
ITASCA Software will be at Dam Safety, learning about the latest in dam safety issues and ready to discuss how our latest numerical modeling tools can provide insights and solutions. See you there at booth #114!
🔹Eurock: September 15–19
ITASCA staff are gearing up for Eurock 2026, the European Symposium on Risk Management in Rock Engineering, in Skopje, North Macedonia.
Case Studies
🔹Modeling Geomechanical Behavior under Very Large Deformation with the Material Point Method
Modeling large deformation problems can be challenging when traditional mesh-based methods reach their limits. A new ITASCA case study demonstrates how the Material Point Method (MPM), implemented in ITASCA’s newest software tools MPoint2D and MPoint3D, enables continuous simulation of landslides, slope failures, tailings dam failures, and other extreme-deformation scenarios. The study validates MPoint against benchmark continuum solutions and shows how coupled FLAC3D-MPoint workflows can accurately capture failure progression while improving computational efficiency.
➡️ Read the case study to learn how MPM effectively models large deformation scenarios from failure initiation through consequence analysis.
🔹Modeling the Leo Slope Failure with PFC
In 2021, the Leo Failure at Bingham Canyon Mine resulted in approximately 21 million tons of rock movement. This case study shows how PFC3D was used to simulate the failure runout, track material displacement, and evaluate ore grade distribution within the landslide mass. The modeling results provided valuable insights to support mine planning and future operations.
➡️Read the case study to see how PFC was applied to model a complex slope failure and improve understanding of post-failure conditions to support decision-making for mining through the landslide mass.
ITASCA Software Beta Program
Want to test out upcoming features and innovations? Gain early access to our most cutting-edge tools by joining the ITASCA Software Beta Program and provide feedback to refine the tools you use for geotechnical analysis.
We’re currently seeking beta testers for:
- Updates coming across products in v9.8
- Griddle v3.1
- MPoint, our new software tool based on the Material Point Method
👉 Request to Join the Beta Program and help shape the next generation of ITASCA Software.
Academic Program
Be ready for the start of the academic year. Get in touch with us to learn about options for students and educators through the ITASCA Academic Program.
➡️ Learn More about the ITASCA Academic Program
For Educators: ITASCA’s Flexible Numerical Modeling Curriculum
Introducing numerical modeling in geomechanics courses can be challenging for students with limited prior experience. Access a curriculum through the ITASCA Academic Program that helps bridge the gap between rock mechanics theory and practical numerical modeling. Designed for both undergraduate and graduate programs, the curriculum provides flexible, hands-on learning opportunities using FLAC2D and IMAT, with complete teaching materials, tutorials, assignments, and real-world projects.
➡️ Learn more
Join the ITASCA Software Forum
Connect with the ITASCA User Community
Have a modeling question or looking for practical tips? The ITASCA Software Forum is a place to connect with engineers, researchers, and software users from around the world. Exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from users working with FLAC2D, FLAC3D, 3DEC, PFC, and other ITASCA solutions.
➡️ Visit the Forum and join the discussion.
Keep the Insights Coming
If you want to stay updated on the latest news from ITASCA Software, subscribe to the newsletter on LinkedIn. Newsletters are published monthly and highlight new webinars, training sessions, case studies, and product updates.