Mining & Resources · head to head
UDEC vs Carlson Mining
U
UDEC
Mining & Resources
Universal distinct element code for mining analysis
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
Carlson Mining
Mining & Resources
Mining and surveying software solution
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- They diverge on capability: UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Carlson Mining covers Pit design.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which UDEC and Carlson Mining actually diverge.
| Attribute | UDEC | Carlson Mining |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows |
| Founded | 1981 | 1983 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining & Resources).
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 UDEC
- Distinct element modeling
- Joint network modeling
- Block interaction analysis
- Support interaction
- Dynamic analysis
- FLAC3D
- 3DEC
- Leapfrog
Only in Carlson Mining
- Pit design
- Grade control
- Production planning
- Survey integration
- Mapping
- ArcGIS
- GPS
- GNSS systems
Both cover
- AutoCAD
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
UDEC
- Two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rocknot Carlson Mining
- Assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavationsnot Carlson Mining
- Simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnellingnot Carlson Mining
Carlson Mining
- Pit designnot UDEC
- Grade controlnot UDEC
- Mine planningnot UDEC
- Surveyingnot UDEC
- Mappingnot UDEC
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
UDEC
- The UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
- Fluid Flow, Barton-Bandis joint analysis, Creep, Thermal and User Defined Models are optional add ons charged on top of the base licence
- Writing custom constitutive models requires the separately licensed UDM option and C++ programming
- Purchases through the Buy Now route are prepaid annual subscriptions rather than a permanent licence
Carlson Mining
Nothing recorded yet. See the Carlson Mining review.
Pricing, plan by plan
UDEC
On request- UDEC Professional$19000/year
- Distinct element analysis
- Joint modeling
- Block interaction
Carlson Mining
On request- Carlson Mining Standard$7000/year
- Mining design
- Pit design
- Grade control
- Carlson Mining Professional$15000/year
- Advanced mine planning
- Production scheduling
- Equipment management
Which should you pick?
Choose UDEC if
- You need distinct element modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want joint network modeling.
Choose Carlson Mining if
- You need pit design.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want grade control.
Questions people ask
- Is UDEC or Carlson Mining better?
- Neither clearly leads. UDEC starts at On request and Carlson Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, UDEC or Carlson Mining?
- UDEC starts at On request and Carlson Mining at On request.
- Does UDEC or Carlson Mining run on more platforms?
- UDEC runs on Windows, Linux. Carlson Mining runs on Windows.
- What is UDEC best used for?
- UDEC is most often used for two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rock, assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavations, simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnelling. Of those, two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rock and assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavations are not what Carlson Mining is typically brought in for.
- What can UDEC do that Carlson Mining cannot?
- UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Carlson Mining covers Pit design, Grade control, Production planning, Survey integration. Both handle AutoCAD, Windows support.