Softwr

Software · head to head

3DEC vs Surpac

3

3DEC

Software

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Surpac logo

Surpac

Software

Geology and mine planning software for all mining methods

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; Surpac 3ds.com's Surpac page describes nine product modules in detail but every pricing action is a 'Speak with an expert' or 'Contact us' CTA, with no edition names or figures published
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Surpac covers Geological database.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and Surpac differ
Attribute3DECSurpac
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
  • Vulcan

Only in Surpac

  • Geological database
  • Block modeling
  • Mine design
  • Resource estimation
  • Workflow automation
  • MineSched
  • PCBC
  • Whittle

Both cover

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

Surpac

  • Geological modelingnot 3DEC
  • Mine planningnot 3DEC
  • Resource estimationnot 3DEC
  • Grade controlnot 3DEC
  • Production trackingnot 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

Surpac

  • 3ds.com's Surpac page describes nine product modules in detail but every pricing action is a 'Speak with an expert' or 'Contact us' CTA, with no edition names or figures published

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Surpac

On request
  • Surpac Core$6000/year
    • 3D visualization
    • Geological database
    • Surface modeling
  • Surpac Advanced$12000/year
    • Block modeling
    • Resource estimation
    • Mine design
  • Surpac Complete$20000/year
    • All modules
    • Underground planning
    • Scheduling integration

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 Surpac if

  • You need geological database.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want block modeling.
Surpac review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Surpac better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Surpac at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Surpac?
3DEC starts at On request and Surpac at On request.
Does 3DEC or Surpac run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Surpac 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 Surpac is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Surpac cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Surpac covers Geological database, Block modeling, Mine design, Resource estimation. Both handle Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on 3DEC

More on Surpac

Keep looking

Other head to heads