Software · head to head
PCBC vs FLAC3D
F
FLAC3D
Software
3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: 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; FLAC3D the FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store
- They diverge on capability: PCBC covers Pit optimization, FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which PCBC and FLAC3D actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), 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 PCBC
- Pit optimization
- Pushback scheduling
- Cutoff grade analysis
- NPV maximization
- Sensitivity analysis
- Surpac
- Whittle
- MineSched
Only in FLAC3D
- 3D finite difference modeling
- Stress-strain analysis
- Dynamic analysis
- Coupled flow analysis
- Mining-specific features
- GeoStudio
- AutoCAD
- Leapfrog
Both cover
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
PCBC
- Pit optimizationnot FLAC3D
- Pushback designnot FLAC3D
- Cutoff optimizationnot FLAC3D
- Economic analysisnot FLAC3D
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
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
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
Pricing, plan by plan
PCBC
On request- PCBC Standard$12000/year
- Pit optimization
- Pushback design
- Economic analysis
FLAC3D
On request- FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
- 3D finite difference analysis
- Slope stability
- Mine design
Which should you pick?
Choose PCBC if
- You need pit optimization.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want pushback scheduling.
Choose FLAC3D if
- You need 3d finite difference modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want stress-strain analysis.
Questions people ask
- Is PCBC or FLAC3D better?
- Neither clearly leads. PCBC starts at On request and FLAC3D at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, PCBC or FLAC3D?
- PCBC starts at On request and FLAC3D at On request.
- Does PCBC or FLAC3D run on more platforms?
- PCBC runs on Windows. FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux.
- What is PCBC best used for?
- PCBC is most often used for pit optimization, pushback design, cutoff optimization, economic analysis. Of those, pit optimization and pushback design are not what FLAC3D is typically brought in for.
- What can PCBC do that FLAC3D cannot?
- PCBC covers Pit optimization, Pushback scheduling, Cutoff grade analysis, NPV maximization. FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Both handle Windows support.