Software · head to head
FLAC3D vs Fusion Mining
F
FLAC3D
Software
3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Fusion Mining covers Geological modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and Fusion Mining actually diverge.
| Attribute | FLAC3D | Fusion Mining |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows |
| Founded | 1981 | 2004 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 FLAC3D
- 3D finite difference modeling
- Stress-strain analysis
- Dynamic analysis
- Coupled flow analysis
- Mining-specific features
- GeoStudio
- Python scripting
- Linux support
Only in Fusion Mining
- Geological modeling
- Mine design
- Resource estimation
- Database management
- 3D visualization
- Vulcan
- Excel
Both cover
- AutoCAD
- Leapfrog
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
FLAC3D
- Three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviournot Fusion Mining
- Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot Fusion Mining
- Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot Fusion Mining
Fusion Mining
- Geological modelingnot FLAC3D
- Mine planningnot FLAC3D
- Resource estimationnot FLAC3D
- Exploration databasesnot FLAC3D
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Fusion Mining
Nothing recorded yet. See the Fusion Mining review.
Pricing, plan by plan
FLAC3D
On request- FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
- 3D finite difference analysis
- Slope stability
- Mine design
Fusion Mining
On request- Fusion Standard$8500/year
- Geological modeling
- Mine design
- Resource estimation
Which should you pick?
Choose FLAC3D if
- You need 3d finite difference modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want stress-strain analysis.
Choose Fusion Mining if
- You need geological modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want mine design.
Questions people ask
- Is FLAC3D or Fusion Mining better?
- Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and Fusion Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or Fusion Mining?
- FLAC3D starts at On request and Fusion Mining at On request.
- Does FLAC3D or Fusion Mining run on more platforms?
- FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. Fusion Mining runs on Windows.
- What is FLAC3D best used for?
- FLAC3D is most often used for three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviour, analysing underground excavation and mine stability including caving, coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structures. Of those, three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviour and analysing underground excavation and mine stability including caving are not what Fusion Mining is typically brought in for.
- What can FLAC3D do that Fusion Mining cannot?
- FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Fusion Mining covers Geological modeling, Mine design, Resource estimation, Database management. Both handle AutoCAD, Leapfrog, Windows support.