Software · head to head
FLAC3D vs PLAXIS
F
FLAC3D
Software
3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
PLAXIS
Software
Finite element software for geotechnical analysis
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
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; 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: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, PLAXIS covers 2D & 3D finite element analysis.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and PLAXIS actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), platforms (Windows, Linux), 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
- Python scripting
Only in PLAXIS
- 2D & 3D finite element analysis
- Advanced soil modeling
- Slope stability assessment
- Excavation design
- Support design
- ArcGIS
Both cover
- GeoStudio
- AutoCAD
- Leapfrog
- Windows support
- Linux 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 PLAXIS
- Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot PLAXIS
- Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot PLAXIS
PLAXIS
- Finite element analysis of soil and rock deformation and stabilitynot FLAC3D
- Designing excavations, tunnels, embankments and foundationsnot FLAC3D
- Modelling groundwater flow, consolidation and seismic response in geotechnical worksnot 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
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
FLAC3D
On request- FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
- 3D finite difference analysis
- Slope stability
- Mine design
PLAXIS
On request- PLAXIS 2D$16000/year
- 2D finite element analysis
- Slope stability
- Mine design
- PLAXIS 3D$28000/year
- 3D finite element analysis
- Complex geometry modeling
- Advanced soil modeling
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 PLAXIS if
- You need 2d & 3d finite element analysis.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want advanced soil modeling.
Questions people ask
- Is FLAC3D or PLAXIS better?
- Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D 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, FLAC3D or PLAXIS?
- FLAC3D starts at On request and PLAXIS at On request.
- Does FLAC3D or PLAXIS run on more platforms?
- Both run on Windows, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- 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 PLAXIS is typically brought in for.
- What can FLAC3D do that PLAXIS cannot?
- FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. PLAXIS covers 2D & 3D finite element analysis, Advanced soil modeling, Slope stability assessment, Excavation design. Both handle GeoStudio, AutoCAD, Leapfrog, Windows support.