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Software · head to head

FLAC3D vs Seequent Central

F

FLAC3D

Software

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Seequent Central logo

Seequent Central

Software

Collaborative platform for subsurface data management

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; Seequent Central cloud hosted on Microsoft Azure and requires an internet connection, with no offline or self-hosted option
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Seequent Central covers Version control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and Seequent Central actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and Seequent Central differ
AttributeFLAC3DSeequent Central
PlatformsWindows, LinuxCloud, Windows
Founded19812004

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
  • AutoCAD
  • Leapfrog

Only in Seequent Central

  • Version control
  • Model publishing
  • Data management
  • Audit trails
  • Secure sharing
  • Leapfrog Geo
  • Leapfrog Works
  • Oasis montaj

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

Seequent Central

  • Centralised version control and audit trails for geological modelsnot FLAC3D
  • Shared 3D visualisation of Leapfrog and Oasis montaj models across distributed teamsnot FLAC3D
  • Project branching for scenario modellingnot FLAC3D
  • Mining exploration and geothermal project coordinationnot FLAC3D
  • Civil engineering and environmental projects needing a single model of recordnot 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

Seequent Central

  • Cloud hosted on Microsoft Azure and requires an internet connection, with no offline or self-hosted option
  • Hosting instances start at a minimum 500GB of storage, with more sold as an add-on
  • Billing splits into three separate lines: cloud hosting per organisation, user subscriptions per person and Leapfrog Connector licences per modeller
  • Publishing models from Leapfrog into Central requires a separate Leapfrog Connector licence
  • Value depends on already owning other Seequent tools such as Leapfrog, GeoStudio, PLAXIS or Oasis montaj

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

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

Seequent Central

On request
  • Central Team$5000/year
    • Version control
    • 5 users included
    • 100GB storage
  • Central Professional$12000/year
    • All Team features
    • 25 users included
    • 500GB storage
  • Central EnterpriseFree
    • Unlimited users
    • Unlimited storage
    • SSO integration

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 Seequent Central if

  • You need version control.
  • You work on Cloud, Windows.
  • You also want model publishing.
Seequent Central review

Questions people ask

Is FLAC3D or Seequent Central better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and Seequent Central at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or Seequent Central?
FLAC3D starts at On request and Seequent Central at On request.
Does FLAC3D or Seequent Central run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. Seequent Central runs on Cloud, 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 Seequent Central is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that Seequent Central cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Seequent Central covers Version control, Model publishing, Data management, Audit trails. Both handle Windows support.
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