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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs FLAC3D

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; FLAC3D the FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and FLAC3D actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and FLAC3D differ
Attribute3DECFLAC3D

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), platforms (Windows, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining), founded (1981).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in 3DEC

  • 3D distinct element analysis
  • Block motion tracking
  • Contact detection
  • Support design
  • Dynamic simulation
  • FLAC3D
  • Vulcan
  • Python

Only in FLAC3D

  • 3D finite difference modeling
  • Stress-strain analysis
  • Dynamic analysis
  • Coupled flow analysis
  • Mining-specific features
  • GeoStudio
  • AutoCAD
  • Python scripting

Both cover

  • Leapfrog
  • Windows support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

3DEC

  • Three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materialsnot FLAC3D
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot FLAC3D
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot FLAC3D
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot FLAC3D
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot FLAC3D

FLAC3D

  • Three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviournot 3DEC
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot 3DEC
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot 3DEC

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

3DEC

  • Pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options
  • A specialist geomechanical tool rather than general purpose simulation, so it assumes the user is a rock mechanics engineer

FLAC3D

  • The FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • Advanced capabilities including Dynamics, Thermal, Creep and IMASS are optional modules sold separately from the base licence
  • Licence portability depends on a physical USB key or a web licence managed centrally, rather than a simple sign in
  • One licence permits only two simultaneous instances on the same computer

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

On request
  • 3DEC Professional$25000/year
    • 3D distinct element analysis
    • Block-to-block interaction
    • Support installation modeling

FLAC3D

On request
  • FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
    • 3D finite difference analysis
    • Slope stability
    • Mine design

Which should you pick?

Choose 3DEC if

  • You need 3d distinct element analysis.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want block motion tracking.
3DEC review

Choose FLAC3D if

  • You need 3d finite difference modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want stress-strain analysis.
FLAC3D review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or FLAC3D better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and FLAC3D at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or FLAC3D?
3DEC starts at On request and FLAC3D at On request.
Does 3DEC or FLAC3D run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
What is 3DEC best used for?
3DEC is most often used for three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials, slope stability and pillar analysis for mining, blast and earthquake dynamic analysis, groundwater flow through fractured rock. Of those, three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials and slope stability and pillar analysis for mining are not what FLAC3D is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that FLAC3D cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Both handle Leapfrog, Windows support, Linux support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

3DEC: Does 3DEC offer a free trial before purchasing?

Yes, 3DEC provides a free demo download available via the REQUEST DEMO button on their website. However, the specific trial period length is not stated on the product page.

Source
FLAC3D: What licensing models does FLAC3D offer?

FLAC3D offers perpetual licenses (one-time purchase) and subscription licenses (recurring payments). Web-based license management allows central organizational control.

Source
3DEC: What licensing models does 3DEC support?

3DEC offers both subscription-based licenses (annual) and perpetual licenses. Subscription licenses are available through their FastSpring store with annual subscription terms.

Source
FLAC3D: Can I run multiple instances of FLAC3D with one license?

Yes. FLAC3D licenses allow two instances to run simultaneously on the same computer.

Source
3DEC: How is 3DEC pricing determined?

3DEC uses a quote-based pricing model rather than publishing fixed rates. Customers can request a quote through the website or purchase through their software store, with pricing customized based on specific needs.

Source
FLAC3D: How do I get a free trial or demo of FLAC3D?

FLAC3D offers a free software demo download. Visitors can request the demo through the product page or contact the company directly.

Source
3DEC: What support resources are included with 3DEC?

3DEC includes documentation, tutorials, forum access, FAQs, applied examples, and training courses. Support appears to be included with purchases rather than sold separately.

Source
FLAC3D: What is the pricing for FLAC3D?

Specific pricing is not listed on the product page. Users must request a quote through the 'REQUEST A QUOTE' button or purchase through the FastSpring payment processor.

Source
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