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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs PCBC

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PCBC logo

PCBC

Mining

Pit optimisation and scheduling software

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FLAC3D the FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store; 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: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, PCBC covers Pit optimization.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and PCBC actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and PCBC differ
AttributeFLAC3DPCBC
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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 FLAC3D

  • 3D finite difference modeling
  • Stress-strain analysis
  • Dynamic analysis
  • Coupled flow analysis
  • Mining-specific features
  • GeoStudio
  • AutoCAD
  • Leapfrog

Only in PCBC

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

Both cover

  • 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 PCBC
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot PCBC
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot PCBC

PCBC

  • Pit optimizationnot FLAC3D
  • Pushback designnot FLAC3D
  • Cutoff optimizationnot FLAC3D
  • Economic analysisnot 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

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

FLAC3D

On request
  • FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
    • 3D finite difference analysis
    • Slope stability
    • Mine design

PCBC

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

Which should you pick?

Choose FLAC3D if

  • You need 3d finite difference modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want stress-strain analysis.
FLAC3D review

Choose PCBC if

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

Questions people ask

Is FLAC3D or PCBC better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D 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, FLAC3D or PCBC?
FLAC3D starts at On request and PCBC at On request.
Does FLAC3D or PCBC run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. PCBC 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 PCBC is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that PCBC cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. PCBC covers Pit optimization, Pushback scheduling, Cutoff grade analysis, NPV maximization. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

FLAC3D: What licensing models does FLAC3D offer?

FLAC3D offers perpetual licenses (one-time purchase) and subscription licenses (recurring payments). Web-based license management allows central organizational control.

Source
PCBC: Where can I find GEOVIA PCBC pricing?

GEOVIA does not publish pricing on the product page. Interested buyers should contact GEOVIA directly via their contact link or visit the full GEOVIA website to request pricing information.

Source
FLAC3D: Can I run multiple instances of FLAC3D with one license?

Yes. FLAC3D licenses allow two instances to run simultaneously on the same computer.

Source
PCBC: How can I learn more about PCBC before purchasing?

GEOVIA provides a user community resource where real-world users share experiences. You can also contact their sales team directly for product information and trial inquiries.

Source
FLAC3D: How do I get a free trial or demo of FLAC3D?

FLAC3D offers a free software demo download. Visitors can request the demo through the product page or contact the company directly.

Source
FLAC3D: What is the pricing for FLAC3D?

Specific pricing is not listed on the product page. Users must request a quote through the 'REQUEST A QUOTE' button or purchase through the FastSpring payment processor.

Source
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