What’s New in ITASCA version 9.6: Extreme Deformation, MPoint (MPM) & More (January 2026 Issue)

Welcome to the January 2026 edition! We’re kicking off the year with the launch of our “Ask the Experts” Q&A series and the upcoming v9.6 release, featuring new MPoint (MPM) tools for extreme deformation analysis. From automated meshing deep dives to upcoming live conference meetups, this month’s newsletter is packed with resources to help you build smarter, safer, and more efficient models.

Let’s dive in: Start the year off with one of our recent blog articles. Explore how new advancements in continuum remeshing, the Material Point Method (MPM), and discrete element modeling are enabling geotechnical engineers to accurately simulate extreme deformations and the consequences of failure in structures like tailings dams and landslides.

Read: Thinking Beyond the Mesh: Modeling Extreme Deformations using ITASCA Software

Ask the Experts: ITASCA Live Q&A

Ready to solve your most complex modeling challenges? We invite you to join our monthly “Ask the Experts“ webinar on Thursday, January 8, for a live Q&A session dedicated entirely to your technical hurdles. Whether you are troubleshooting a specific feature, navigating intricate post-processing tasks, or exploring which ITASCA tools best fit your next project, our senior developers and engineers are here to provide direct, actionable guidance.

How it works: To ensure you get the most out of the session, we encourage you to submit your questions during registration. This allows our team to dive deep into your specific scenarios and prepare detailed examples or walkthroughs to share live.

➡️ Watch the January 2026 Q&A Webinar

ITASCA Software Webinars

Continue building your skills and stay current on new capabilities across the ITASCA Software line by attending our webinars. The latest on tap this month:

Whats New in ITASCA Software v9.6 Release: Tuesday, January 13 & January 27, 2026 Select one of three global webinar times at the landing page. Register today!

Join us to learn about the new features in ITASCA Software’s latest release. FLAC2D now offers automatic remeshing for extreme deformations and a Munson-Dawson creep model for evaporites. FLAC3D adds advanced tunnel geometry tools and concrete modeling for structural elements. We’re excited to showcase MPoint2D/3D (BETA), the new material point method software for analyzing extreme deformations in tailings dams, landslides, and earth structures. Usable standalone or coupled with FLAC2D. Other updates include enhanced factor of safety analysis and Python scripting. Available to Version 9 subscription holders.

➡️ Watch the Webinar

ITASCA Software Videos

Enhance your technical expertise by exploring our YouTube channel, featuring a comprehensive library of software tutorials, webinar recordings, and simulation demonstrations designed to help you master advanced geomechanical and hydrogeological modeling. Recent videos include:

Advanced Shotcrete Design in Underground Mines: Dr. Fredy Elorrieta, a Senior Consultant with ITASCA Perú presented an in-depth overview of advanced shotcrete-based support design for underground mines, focusing on the limitations of traditional methods, the importance of residual strength, and the integration of laboratory testing with numerical modeling for more reliable support design. 🎥 Watch Video

Modeling Open Stopes with Zone Joints in FLAC3D: This webinar discusses a numerical model of a large open stope, located approximately 1,500 meters below surface, in a complex geological environment. The stope is situated within a blocky rock mass intersected by dense structural features, particularly in the hanging wall, which pose significant challenges to ground support performance. The model captures both structural and stress overbreak, as well as the impact of rock support in controlling overbreak.🎥 Watch Video

ITASCA Software Beta Program

If We invite both long-time users and prospective teams to gain early access to our latest innovations through the ITASCA Software Beta Program. This is your opportunity to test-drive upcoming functionality and play a direct role in refining the tools that power your geotechnical analysis.

By joining the program, you can:

• Be the First to Test: Explore cutting-edge features before they hit the general market.
• Influence Development: Provide direct feedback that helps shape future software updates.
• Gain Recognition: Receive official acknowledgement for your role in the development cycle.
• Enjoy Exclusive Perks: Access priority technical support and special organizational discounts.

Request to Join the Beta Program!

Conferences & Events

Let’s meet in-person! You can visit the ITASCA Software team at these upcoming events in early 2026.

➡️ MINEXCHANGE 2026 SME Annual Conference & Expo | February 22 – 25, 2026 | Salt Lake City, UT

Visit with ITASCA Software at the annual gathering of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) where mining professionals connect, learn and explore cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Learn how our advanced geomechanical modeling and simulation can help make your projects smarter, safer and more efficient.

➡️ Geo-Congress 2026 | March 9-12, 2026 | Salt Lake City, UT

This geotechnical engineering conference brings together leaders, researchers, and practitioners to explore innovations and critical challenges across topics like earthquake engineering, mining tailings, and landslide analysis. Visit ITASCA Software and see how advanced numerical modeling tools can improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your geotechnical projects.

ITASCA Software Blog

The ITASCA Software Blog offers practical tips from real projects, plus product updates and modeling advice. Explore topics like mine modeling with IMAT and FLAC3D, building reliable numerical models, and using ITASCA tools in production. Bookmark it to stay updated on new methods and examples.

The latest articles include:

• When Cyclic Mobility Isn’t Flow Liquefaction: Learn how advanced numerical modeling with the P2PSand model helps geotechnical engineers distinguish between flow liquefaction and cyclic mobility to avoid over-conservative safety measures and ensure more accurate tailings dam stability assessments. Read Article
• Achieve Fast, Automated Meshing for Large-Scale Mine Models: Discover how the new automated octree meshing in IMAT accelerates your workflow by generating high-quality FLAC3D grids for complex mine-scale models in minutes rather than days. Read Article

➡️ Visit the Blog