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Software · head to head

3DEC vs PCBC

3

3DEC

Software

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PCBC logo

PCBC

Software

Pit optimisation and scheduling software

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; PCBC dassault Systemes GEOVIA PCBC has no published commercial pricing and is sold via direct contact, with a separate Academic License Program as the only named alternative tier
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, PCBC covers Pit optimization.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and PCBC differ
Attribute3DECPCBC
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), 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
  • Leapfrog
  • Python

Only in PCBC

  • Pit optimization
  • Pushback scheduling
  • Cutoff grade analysis
  • NPV maximization
  • Sensitivity analysis
  • Surpac
  • Whittle
  • MineSched

Both cover

  • Vulcan
  • Windows 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 PCBC
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot PCBC
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot PCBC
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot PCBC
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot PCBC

PCBC

  • Pit optimizationnot 3DEC
  • Pushback designnot 3DEC
  • Cutoff optimizationnot 3DEC
  • Economic analysisnot 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

PCBC

  • Dassault Systemes GEOVIA PCBC has no published commercial pricing and is sold via direct contact, with a separate Academic License Program as the only named alternative tier

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

PCBC

On request
  • PCBC Standard$12000/year
    • Pit optimization
    • Pushback design
    • Economic analysis

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 PCBC if

  • You need pit optimization.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want pushback scheduling.
PCBC review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or PCBC better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and PCBC at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or PCBC?
3DEC starts at On request and PCBC at On request.
Does 3DEC or PCBC run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. PCBC runs on Windows.
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 PCBC is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that PCBC cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. PCBC covers Pit optimization, Pushback scheduling, Cutoff grade analysis, NPV maximization. Both handle Vulcan, Windows support.
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