Softwr

Mining · head to head

3DEC vs UDEC

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
U

UDEC

Mining

Universal distinct element code for mining 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; UDEC the UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, UDEC covers Distinct element modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and UDEC differ
Attribute3DECUDEC

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
  • Vulcan
  • Python

Only in UDEC

  • Distinct element modeling
  • Joint network modeling
  • Block interaction analysis
  • Support interaction
  • Dynamic analysis
  • 3DEC
  • AutoCAD

Both cover

  • FLAC3D
  • 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 UDEC
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot UDEC
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot UDEC
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot UDEC
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot UDEC

UDEC

  • Geotechnical engineering simulationsnot 3DEC
  • Discrete element modeling and analysisnot 3DEC
  • Mining and tunneling software 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

UDEC

  • The UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • Fluid Flow, Barton-Bandis joint analysis, Creep, Thermal and User Defined Models are optional add ons charged on top of the base licence
  • Writing custom constitutive models requires the separately licensed UDM option and C++ programming
  • Purchases through the Buy Now route are prepaid annual subscriptions rather than a permanent licence

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

UDEC

On request
  • UDEC Professional$19000/year
    • Distinct element analysis
    • Joint modeling
    • Block interaction

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 UDEC if

  • You need distinct element modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want joint network modeling.
UDEC review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or UDEC better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and UDEC at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or UDEC?
3DEC starts at On request and UDEC at On request.
Does 3DEC or UDEC 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 UDEC is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that UDEC cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Both handle FLAC3D, 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
UDEC: How much does UDEC cost?

UDEC pricing is not published on the product page. The vendor directs inquiries through an 'Ask an Expert' contact option at [email protected] or a 'Request a Quote' option through the itascasoftware.com store.

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
UDEC: What is UDEC's pricing model?

UDEC is available through a subscription model rather than one-time licensing. Prepaid annual subscriptions are available through the software store, and pricing is customized based on quote requests.

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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