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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs PLAXIS

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PLAXIS logo

PLAXIS

Mining

Finite element software for geotechnical analysis

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; 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.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and PLAXIS actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and PLAXIS differ
AttributeFLAC3DPLAXIS
Founded19811984

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), platforms (Windows, Linux), 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
  • 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
  • Virtuoso Subscription$undefined/12-month
    • Software access
    • Training included
    • Auto-renewal
  • Perpetual License with SELECT$undefined/mo
    • One-time purchase
    • Annual maintenance subscription
    • 24/7 technical support
  • Enterprise Plans$undefined/mo
    • Custom arrangements
    • Global pricing
    • Comprehensive software portfolio

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 PLAXIS if

  • You need 2d & 3d finite element analysis.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want advanced soil modeling.
PLAXIS review

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.

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
PLAXIS: What are PLAXIS software tiers?

PLAXIS offers four main tiers: PLAXIS 3D (basic deformation and safety analysis), PLAXIS 3D Advanced (creep/flow-deformation coupling and consolidation), PLAXIS 3D Ultimate (dynamic vibration analysis and time-dependent groundwater flow), and 3D WorkSuite (combines PLAXIS 3D Ultimate with GeoStudio 3D Advanced).

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
PLAXIS: What licensing models does PLAXIS offer?

PLAXIS offers three licensing approaches: 12-month Virtuoso Subscription (recommended for small to medium businesses), Perpetual License with SELECT (one-time purchase plus annual maintenance), and Enterprise Plans (custom arrangements for larger organizations). Regional pricing varies.

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
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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