ITASCA Software Insights Newsletter
Updates, insights, and ideas from the world of advanced geotechnical engineering software.
October 2026 Issue: Explore MPoint and v9.8 Resources
Welcome to the October edition of ITASCA Software Insights. New modeling capabilities, practical applications, and technical resources take center stage in this issue. Explore MPoint and the latest enhancements in Version 9.8 to see how advanced numerical methods can be applied to large deformation and other geotechnical challenges, and find new opportunities to learn, connect, and provide feedback.
This Issue At a Glance
- New Releases: Version 9.8 updates and MPoint are now available
- Savings: 15% off with Perpetual Plus
- Learn: Webinar replays, technical blogs, and training resources
- Applications: New Material Point Method and machine learning case studies
- Academic Program: Software and curriculum resources for educators, students, and researchers
- Upcoming Conferences: Slope Stability 2026 and Tailings and Mine Waste
- Get Involved: Beta testing opportunities, user survey, and forum
ITASCA Software Releases
MPoint Now Available
ITASCA is thrilled to announce the official release of MPoint2D and MPoint3D, the first commercially available geotechnical software tool using the Material Point Method specifically designed for geotechnical engineers. Purpose-built to simulate large deformation in geotechnical engineering applications, MPoint is ideal for analyzing tailings dams, slopes, embankments, and foundations experiencing extreme deformation. Couple with FLAC2D/FLAC3D for even more powerful modeling capability.
Version 9.8 Now Available
Updates across the ITASCA Software suite include a new Dynamic Damping Rapid Tool, modal analysis, axisymmetric fluid and thermal analysis, 3D to 2D export tools, improved remeshing, enhanced Python tools, and several new examples.
Users with an active subscription or maintenance plan can download, install, and start using these new features immediately
Software Savings
Save 15% with Perpetual Plus
Looking for the benefits of software ownership without missing out on future updates and support? With Perpetual Plus, you don’t have to choose.
This new offering combines a Perpetual License and Maintenance into one convenient package and includes:
- Permanent ownership of your software
- Access to updates and enhancements through the Maintenance Plan
- Technical support from our team
- Two licenses (one perpetual + one maintenance)
- 15% savings on the complete package
Designed for organizations seeking a predictable, long-term licensing option while staying current with ongoing product releases. Perpetual Plus provides outstanding long-term value to help you maximize your software investment.
This offer is only available for a limited time. Contact your ITASCA Software Reseller or email us at sales@itascasoftware.com.
Webinar Replays
Want to see the latest updates in Version 9.8 in action? Check out our YouTube channel for recordings of our recent webinars highlighting the latest capabilities.
What’s New in ITASCA Software v9.8
See all the latest updates across ITASCA Software products in Version 9.8, including a brief intro to MPoint, ITASCA’s Material Point Method (MPM) software. We also demonstrate the new Dynamic Damping Rapid Tool, modal analysis in FLAC2D/FLAC3D, Sketch workflow improvements, exporting 3D slices to 2D, and remeshing enhancements.
Modeling Large Deformation with MPoint
ITASCA’s new Material Point Method software is now available. MPoint allows for continuous simulation of extreme deformation processes, including landslides, tailings dam or earth dam failures, liquefaction, and material flow that can challenge conventional numerical approaches. In this webinar, you’ll learn
- The fundamentals of Material Point Method technology and how it handles large deformation without mesh distortion.
- An overview of pore pressure generation, wall coupling, Rayleigh damping, Python support, and more.
- How MPoint can be coupled with FLAC2D/FLAC3D for a hybrid modeling technique that combines traditional zones and material points.
- Example applications of slope failure and runout analysis.
ITASCA Software Blog
Redefining Geotechnical Failure Analysis: Introducing MPoint2D and MPoint3D
Want to learn more about MPoint and the Material Point Method? Read our blog introducing MPoint2D and MPoint3D and how it pushes simulation of large deformation, failure progression, and runout behavior beyond the limits of traditional mesh-based approaches.
Coupling ITASCA’s MPoint and FLAC Software
What if you didn’t have to choose between efficient finite volume modeling and large-deformation simulation? By coupling MPoint with FLAC, each method can be applied where it is most effective, creating an integrated workflow for engineers to model from initial deformation continuously through failure and runout.
What’s New in ITASCA Software v9.8
ITASCA Software Version 9.8 is here, introducing MPoint for large-deformation geotechnical analysis alongside new capabilities across the software suite. If you’d rather read an overview of v9.8 rather than watch the webinar, check out our blog for a closer look at real-world applications of the new capabilities and improvements in this release. Explore modal analysis for FLAC2D and FLAC3D, expanded axisymmetric fluid and thermal calculations, a new Dynamic Damping Rapid Tool, easier 3D-to-2D model conversion, Sketch enhancements, improved remeshing, and more.
ITASCA Software Case Studies
Advanced Tailings Dam Breach Analysis Using the Material Point Method
How do you estimate breach parameters for tailings dams when traditional methods are based on water dams? In a new partner case study, Nicolas Pereira Magnere and Sudheer S Prabhu of Geosyntec Consultants use MPoint to model the Brumadinho tailings dam failure. The study examines how the Material Point Method provides a physics-based approach that can connect predicted discharge and mobilized volume directly to geotechnical conditions.
Modeling Geomechanical Behavior under Very Large Deformation with the Material Point Method
Want to learn more about how the Material Point Method (MPM) can model large deformation scenarios without meshing problems? This case study demonstrates how the MPM approach enables continuous simulation of landslides, tailings dam failures, and other extreme-deformation scenarios. The study validates MPoint against benchmark continuum solutions and demonstrates the benefits of coupling MPoint with FLAC to capture failure progression within a unified software framework.
Slope Design Curves with Machine Learning
ITASCA used more than 120,000 FLAC2D simulations to train a machine learning model for predicting slope Factor of Safety. The resulting web-based tool transforms computationally intensive analyses into rapid predictions, demonstrating how machine learning offers a significantly faster and cost-effective complement to traditional numerical modeling workflows for open-pit slope stability.
ITASCA Software Training
Add to your skillset with ITASCA Software with our live or on-demand training course offerings.
Python in ITASCA Software
This live online course introduces how to use 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
Free On-Demand Training Library
Our free online software training videos are available on demand any time, day or night. Develop new skills, discover best practices, and learn at the time and pace that works for you.
➡️ Explore free training resources
Custom Training
In need of more personalized training? We’ll work with you to design a training program that supports your specific goals.
➡️ Learn about custom training
Academic Program
Supporting the Next Generation of Geotechnical Engineers
ITASCA Software powers some of the most demanding geotechnical projects in the world, and the same tools are available to instructors, students, and researchers through academic licensing.
Teaching licenses bundle one instructor seat with multiple student seats and include ready-to-use curriculum resources. Student licenses offer functionality at an affordable academic price. Research licenses provide full access to all modules with flexible institutional terms.
Educators can bring industry-recognized modeling tools into their courses, students can build practical skills that prepare them for their careers, and researchers can advance understanding of complex engineering challenges with cutting-edge numerical modeling technology.
Conferences & Events
Connect with ITASCA in person at these upcoming events.
🔹Slope Stability 2026 | Lima, Peru | October 26–29
We’re heading to Peru for the symposium on Slope Stability with many papers, presentations, and a workshop from ITASCA consultants. ITASCA Software will be on site to discuss how cutting-edge tools like MPoint and IMAT, as well as industry standards like FLAC2D and FLAC3D, can help you find solutions in challenging projects.
🔹Tailings and Mine Waste | Westminster, Colorado | November 8–11
ITASCA Software is looking forward meeting you at Tailings and Mine Waste to discuss how modeling extreme deformation and runout with MPoint can help increase safety and reduce risk in Tailings Storage Facilities.
User Feedback Opportunities
ITASCA Software Beta Program
Want to test out upcoming features and innovations? Get early access to ITASCA’s most cutting-edge tools by joining our Software Beta Program, where you can play a role in refining the tools you use for geotechnical analysis by providing user feedback.
➡️ Learn about our Beta Testing Program
Help Shape ITASCA Software Version 10
We want your input to help inform Version 10! Tell us what features, enhancements, or workflow improvements would have the greatest impact on your projects and business. Your feedback will help our development team prioritize innovations and ensure future releases address real-world engineering challenges.
ITASCA Software Forum
Connect with the ITASCA Software User Community
Have a modeling question or looking for practical tips? The ITASCA Software Forum is a community space to ask questions, share answers, and learn from users working with the ITASCA Software suite. Anyone can join and browse discussions, but you’ll need a valid software license to post questions and feedback.
➡️ Visit the Forum and join the discussion.
Stay Connected
Enjoyed this month’s resources? Follow the ITASCA Software Insights LinkedIn Newsletter for monthly updates on webinars, training opportunities, case studies, software releases, and industry events.
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Questions? Contact our team at sales@itascasoftware.com.