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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs RS2

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RS2 logo

RS2

Mining

2D finite element stress analysis for mining

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; RS2 the RS2 product page shows a USD per year pricing block with no figure filled in, so the annual lease cost is not published
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, RS2 covers 2D finite element analysis.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and RS2 actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and RS2 differ
AttributeFLAC3DRS2
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19811989

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining).

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
  • Leapfrog
  • Python scripting
  • Linux support

Only in RS2

  • 2D finite element analysis
  • Stress-strain modeling
  • Slope stability assessment
  • Bolt design
  • Support sizing
  • RocData
  • Dips

Both cover

  • GeoStudio
  • AutoCAD
  • 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 RS2
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot RS2
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot RS2

RS2

  • Two dimensional finite element analysis of slopes, excavations and tunnelsnot FLAC3D
  • Modelling groundwater seepage and consolidation in geotechnical designsnot FLAC3D
  • Assessing rock and soil stability for mining and civil engineering projectsnot 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

RS2

  • The RS2 product page shows a USD per year pricing block with no figure filled in, so the annual lease cost is not published
  • RS2 is sold only as an annual cloud hosted lease; the page describes no perpetual licence
  • The Personal Lease is one seat tied to one user device; using it across several machines requires the Flexible+ lease
  • Hosting licences on a local server rather than Rocscience's RocPortal requires contacting the vendor

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

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

RS2

On request
  • RS2 Standard$11000/year
    • 2D finite element analysis
    • Slope stability
    • Excavation design

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 RS2 if

  • You need 2d finite element analysis.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want stress-strain modeling.
RS2 review

Questions people ask

Is FLAC3D or RS2 better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and RS2 at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or RS2?
FLAC3D starts at On request and RS2 at On request.
Does FLAC3D or RS2 run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. RS2 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 RS2 is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that RS2 cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. RS2 covers 2D finite element analysis, Stress-strain modeling, Slope stability assessment, Bolt design. Both handle GeoStudio, AutoCAD, 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
RS2: How is RS2 priced?

RS2 uses an annual subscription licensing model with two options: Personal Lease for one seat and one user device, or Flexible+ Lease for multiple seats with unlimited user devices per seat. Specific pricing is not displayed on the website.

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
RS2: Can RS2 be hosted locally?

RS2 uses cloud-hosted licensing managed through RocPortal, though local server hosting is available upon request by contacting the company.

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
RS2: How can I find RS2 pricing details?

The website offers a Plans & Pricing FAQ section for additional details, or you can add licenses to your cart for purchase to see current pricing.

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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