Software · head to head
UDEC vs Fusion Mining
U
UDEC
Software
Universal distinct element code for mining analysis
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- They diverge on capability: UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Fusion Mining covers Geological modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which UDEC and Fusion Mining actually diverge.
| Attribute | UDEC | Fusion Mining |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows |
| Founded | 1981 | 2004 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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
- Linux support
Only in Fusion Mining
- Geological modeling
- Mine design
- Resource estimation
- Database management
- 3D visualization
- Vulcan
- Excel
Both cover
- Leapfrog
- 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 Fusion Mining
- Assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavationsnot Fusion Mining
- Simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnellingnot Fusion Mining
Fusion Mining
- Geological modelingnot UDEC
- Mine planningnot UDEC
- Resource estimationnot UDEC
- Exploration databasesnot 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
Fusion Mining
Nothing recorded yet. See the Fusion Mining review.
Pricing, plan by plan
UDEC
On request- UDEC Professional$19000/year
- Distinct element analysis
- Joint modeling
- Block interaction
Fusion Mining
On request- Fusion Standard$8500/year
- Geological modeling
- Mine design
- Resource estimation
Which should you pick?
Choose UDEC if
- You need distinct element modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want joint network modeling.
Choose Fusion Mining if
- You need geological modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want mine design.
Questions people ask
- Is UDEC or Fusion Mining better?
- Neither clearly leads. UDEC starts at On request and Fusion Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, UDEC or Fusion Mining?
- UDEC starts at On request and Fusion Mining at On request.
- Does UDEC or Fusion Mining run on more platforms?
- UDEC runs on Windows, Linux. Fusion 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 Fusion Mining is typically brought in for.
- What can UDEC do that Fusion Mining cannot?
- UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Fusion Mining covers Geological modeling, Mine design, Resource estimation, Database management. Both handle Leapfrog, AutoCAD, Windows support.