Software · head to head
UDEC vs FLAC3D
U
UDEC
Software
Universal distinct element code for mining analysis
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
F
FLAC3D
Software
3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: UDEC the UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store; FLAC3D the FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store
- They diverge on capability: UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which UDEC and FLAC3D actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), platforms (Windows, Linux), 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 UDEC
- Distinct element modeling
- Joint network modeling
- Block interaction analysis
- Support interaction
- FLAC3D
- 3DEC
Only in FLAC3D
- 3D finite difference modeling
- Stress-strain analysis
- Coupled flow analysis
- Mining-specific features
- GeoStudio
- Python scripting
Both cover
- Dynamic analysis
- Leapfrog
- AutoCAD
- Windows support
- Linux 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 FLAC3D
- Assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavationsnot FLAC3D
- Simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnellingnot FLAC3D
FLAC3D
- Three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviournot UDEC
- Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot UDEC
- Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot 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
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
UDEC
On request- UDEC Professional$19000/year
- Distinct element analysis
- Joint modeling
- Block interaction
FLAC3D
On request- FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
- 3D finite difference analysis
- Slope stability
- Mine design
Which should you pick?
Choose UDEC if
- You need distinct element modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want joint network modeling.
Choose FLAC3D if
- You need 3d finite difference modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want stress-strain analysis.
Questions people ask
- Is UDEC or FLAC3D better?
- Neither clearly leads. UDEC 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, UDEC or FLAC3D?
- UDEC starts at On request and FLAC3D at On request.
- Does UDEC or FLAC3D run on more platforms?
- Both run on Windows, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- 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 FLAC3D is typically brought in for.
- What can UDEC do that FLAC3D cannot?
- UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Coupled flow analysis, Mining-specific features. Both handle Dynamic analysis, Leapfrog, AutoCAD, Windows support.