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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs PLAXIS

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PLAXIS logo

PLAXIS

Mining

Finite element software for geotechnical analysis

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; PLAXIS bentley states the cost of PLAXIS 2D, 2D Advanced, 2D Ultimate and the 2D WorkSuite varies per region, and publishes no rate on the product page
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, PLAXIS covers 2D & 3D finite element analysis.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and PLAXIS differ
Attribute3DECPLAXIS
Founded19811984

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

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
  • Dynamic simulation
  • FLAC3D
  • Vulcan
  • Python

Only in PLAXIS

  • 2D & 3D finite element analysis
  • Advanced soil modeling
  • Slope stability assessment
  • Excavation design
  • AutoCAD
  • GeoStudio
  • ArcGIS

Both cover

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

PLAXIS

  • Finite element analysis of soil and rock deformation and stabilitynot 3DEC
  • Designing excavations, tunnels, embankments and foundationsnot 3DEC
  • Modelling groundwater flow, consolidation and seismic response in geotechnical worksnot 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

PLAXIS

  • Bentley states the cost of PLAXIS 2D, 2D Advanced, 2D Ultimate and the 2D WorkSuite varies per region, and publishes no rate on the product page
  • Consolidation, creep, groundwater flow and heat flow require the Advanced edition rather than the base PLAXIS 2D
  • Dynamic, vibration and transient analysis require the Ultimate edition
  • A perpetual licence only carries support and licence exchange rights while a paid annual SELECT subscription is maintained
  • The Virtuoso subscription route is a 12 month lease, not an ongoing entitlement

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

PLAXIS

On request
  • Virtuoso Subscription$undefined/12-month
    • Software access
    • Training included
    • Auto-renewal
  • Perpetual License with SELECT$undefined/mo
    • One-time purchase
    • Annual maintenance subscription
    • 24/7 technical support
  • Enterprise Plans$undefined/mo
    • Custom arrangements
    • Global pricing
    • Comprehensive software portfolio

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 PLAXIS if

  • You need 2d & 3d finite element analysis.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want advanced soil modeling.
PLAXIS review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or PLAXIS better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and PLAXIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or PLAXIS?
3DEC starts at On request and PLAXIS at On request.
Does 3DEC or PLAXIS 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 PLAXIS is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that PLAXIS cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Dynamic simulation. PLAXIS covers 2D & 3D finite element analysis, Advanced soil modeling, Slope stability assessment, Excavation design. Both handle Support design, 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
PLAXIS: What are PLAXIS software tiers?

PLAXIS offers four main tiers: PLAXIS 3D (basic deformation and safety analysis), PLAXIS 3D Advanced (creep/flow-deformation coupling and consolidation), PLAXIS 3D Ultimate (dynamic vibration analysis and time-dependent groundwater flow), and 3D WorkSuite (combines PLAXIS 3D Ultimate with GeoStudio 3D Advanced).

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
PLAXIS: What licensing models does PLAXIS offer?

PLAXIS offers three licensing approaches: 12-month Virtuoso Subscription (recommended for small to medium businesses), Perpetual License with SELECT (one-time purchase plus annual maintenance), and Enterprise Plans (custom arrangements for larger organizations). Regional pricing varies.

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
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
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