Learning

Software Tutorials

FLAC3D 6.0 PFC Plugin Conveyor

Using Python in FLAC3D 6

The Python programming language is embedded inside FLAC3D 6 and extended to allow FLAC3D models to be manipulated from Python programs. This webinar recording provides a brief introduction to Python scripting and includes many examples of using Python with FLAC3D.

MINEDW Tutorial (Part 2: Visualization Options)

In this tutorial we will explore all the visualization components that MINEDW has to offer, and all the options available to the user to visualize the model's components and properties.

Technical Papers

Connectivity, permeability, and channeling in randomly distributed and kinematically defined discrete fracture network models

A major use of DFN models for industrial applications is to evaluate permeability and flow structure in hardrock aquifers from geological observations of fracture networks. The relationship between the statistical fracture density distributions and permeability has been extensively studied, but there has been little interest in the spatial structure of DFN models, which is generally assumed to be spatially random (i.e., Poisson). In this paper, we compare the predictions of Poisson DFNs to new DFN models where fractures result from a growth process defined by simplified kinematic rules for nucleation, growth, and fracture arrest.

Packer Testing Program Design and Management

Hydraulic testing using wireline deployed water-inflated packers is becoming a common practice for groundwater characterization at mining sites.

A DFN–DEM Multi‑scale Modeling Approach for Simulating Tunnel Excavation Response in Jointed Rock Masses

Based on the concept of the representative elementary volume (REV) and the synthetic rock mass (SRM) modeling technique, a DFN–DEM multi-scale modeling approach is proposed for modeling excavation responses in jointed rock masses. Based on the DFN models of various scales, equivalent rock mass properties are obtained using 3DEC SRM models. A tunnel excavation simulation using data from the Äspö TAS08 tunnel is conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed multi-scale modeling approach.