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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs Surpac

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Surpac logo

Surpac

Mining

Geology and mine planning software for all mining methods

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; Surpac 3ds.com's Surpac page describes nine product modules in detail but every pricing action is a 'Speak with an expert' or 'Contact us' CTA, with no edition names or figures published
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Surpac covers Geological database.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and Surpac actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and Surpac differ
AttributeFLAC3DSurpac
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 Surpac

  • Geological database
  • Block modeling
  • Mine design
  • Resource estimation
  • Workflow automation
  • MineSched
  • PCBC
  • Whittle

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

Surpac

  • Geological modelingnot FLAC3D
  • Mine planningnot FLAC3D
  • Resource estimationnot FLAC3D
  • Grade controlnot FLAC3D
  • Production trackingnot 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

Surpac

  • 3ds.com's Surpac page describes nine product modules in detail but every pricing action is a 'Speak with an expert' or 'Contact us' CTA, with no edition names or figures published

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

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

Surpac

On request
  • Surpac Core$6000/year
    • 3D visualization
    • Geological database
    • Surface modeling
  • Surpac Advanced$12000/year
    • Block modeling
    • Resource estimation
    • Mine design
  • Surpac Complete$20000/year
    • All modules
    • Underground planning
    • Scheduling 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 Surpac if

  • You need geological database.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want block modeling.
Surpac review

Questions people ask

Is FLAC3D or Surpac better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and Surpac at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or Surpac?
FLAC3D starts at On request and Surpac at On request.
Does FLAC3D or Surpac run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. Surpac 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 Surpac is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that Surpac cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Surpac covers Geological database, Block modeling, Mine design, Resource estimation. 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
Surpac: What is the pricing for GEOVIA Surpac?

GEOVIA Surpac does not publish pricing on its website. Pricing must be obtained by contacting Dassault Systèmes directly through their sales process.

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
Surpac: Is a trial version available without contacting sales?

The product page does not mention a self-service trial. To access a trial or demo, you need to contact the sales team through the website's contact form.

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
Surpac: Are there different editions or licensing options for Surpac?

The product page does not specify different editions or licensing options. Details about licensing variations are available only through direct contact with Dassault Systèmes.

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
Surpac: How do I get started with GEOVIA Surpac?

To get started, you can join the GEOVIA user community or contact Dassault Systèmes directly using the contact link on the product page.

Source
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