UDEC 5.

0 Introductory Course FALL 2013

Monday, October 7 until Wednesday, October 9, 2013 (3 days)
UDEC (Universal Distinct Element Code) is a numerical modeling software code for the
advanced, two-dimensional analysis of geotechnical problems involving jointed rock systems or
assemblages of discrete blocks undergoing quasi-static or dynamic conditions. UDEC is well-
suited to analyze geotechnical engineering problems such as:
Stability and support of surface and underground mining;
Underground isolation of radioactive materials;
Hydro-fracturing;
Groundwater flow though joints;
Stability and support of dams on jointed rock foundations;
Earthquake and seismology studies;
Stability and support of subterranean structures; and
Stability and support of masonry block systems.
UDEC solution parameters may be specified by the user, maximizing the users control over the
duration, extent and efficiency of the model run. UDEC is designed to be general and users have
control over much of the model run solution parameters (duration, extent and efficiency) with
even more control and customization available to the user through UDECs powerful built-in
programming language, FISH.
COURSE VENUE
Minneapolis, Minnesota USA
Course participants should bring their own laptops with the latest version of UDEC software,
which can be downloaded from the Itasca website. Security keys for UDEC 5.0 will be provided
for the duration of the course. Further instructions will follow once you have registered.

COURSE OUTLINE
Suitable examples are incorporated into each of the following sections.
DAY 1
Course Set-up and Introduction
o Software and hardware set-up; distribution of course materials
o Overview of applications and capabilities in geotechnical analysis and design
o Introduction to UDEC concepts and terminology
Numerical Modeling Concepts for Itasca Software
o Discontinuum analysis, distinct element method and explicit finite-difference
solution scheme
o Modelling approach
o Model complexity, dimensions and symmetry
o Model size, resolution and boundary conditions
o Unbalanced forces and model equilibrium
o Mechanical damping methods and mass density scaling
o Time-step and numerical calculation cycling
o Monitoring model responses
UDEC Model Construction
o Solid body mechanics (rigid vs. deformable blocks)
o Contact mechanics (types, overlaps, new contacts and contact detection)
o Model geometry (using the graphical user interface, commands, ranges and
conventions )
o Applying initial and boundary conditions
o Block and zoning tips
UDEC Material Models
o Zone constitutive models and property assignment
o User constitutive models


DAY 2
Joints and Voronoi Assemblies
o Joint constitutive models, behavior and applications
o Joint property assignment
o Default properties for new contacts
o Voronoi tessellation (overview and micro-property calibration)
Geotechnical Properties
o Selection and estimation of joint strength and stiffness
o Material models (elastic, Mohr-Coulomb, ubiquitous, Hoek-Brown)
o Residual and damage properties
Factor-of-Safety Analysis
o Shear strength reduction (SSR) approach
o Solution scheme during model cycling
o Applicable material models (Mohr-Coulomb, ubiquitous and Hoek-Brown)
Programming with FISH
o Introduction
o FISH intrinsics, variables and functions
o Loops, conditional statements and working with commands
DAY 3
Groundwater Flow
o Modelling fracture flow
o Fluid-mechanical interaction
o Steady-state vs. transient flow
o Hydraulic aperture
o Fluid boundary conditions
o Zone pore pressures
Ground Support using Structural Elements
o Role of ground support
o UDEC capabilities
o 2D/3D equivalency
o Structural elements (cables, beams and liners)
o Moment-thrust diagrams
Practical Tutorials
o Tutorial examples may vary depending upon course participants interest.
o Past examples have included:
Importing and creating geometry from DXF files;
Simulating 3D tunnel advance of an underground tunnel using voronoi
blocks and generating a ground reaction curve for the tunnel;
Reinforcement of an underground tunnel and generation of a moment-
thrust diagram;
Slope stability analysis of a highly fractured terrain;
Slope stability analysis for fully-continuous- and discontinuous- joint sets;
and
Hydraulic fracturing analysis.
COURSE COST
The cost to participate in the three-day Introductory Course is US$1,875.00 per person. This
includes course refreshments during breaks, lunches, printed course notes and a training CD
containing the course notes and worked examples. Travel, accommodation, breakfast and dinner
are not included in the course cost. These arrangements should be made directly by each
participant. Please note that each UDEC 5.0 licensed purchased includes a complementary
introductory training course for one individual. Also, a discount may apply if you register for
multiple courses during the same training session.
COURSE PRESENTER
David DeGagn is a mining engineering with more than seven years of experience with Itasca
Consulting Group in Minneapolis conducting engineering consulting, and for the past two years,
conducting software training courses. Davids experience is focused on underground excavations
and open pit stability analysis using FLAC, FLAC-Slope, FLAC3D, UDEC, PFC/PFC3D and the
lattice codes Slope and HydroFract. David received his MSc from Queens University in
Kingston, Ontario.