Software · head to head
UDEC vs GeoStudio
U
UDEC
Software
Universal distinct element code for mining analysis
- 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; GeoStudio the GeoStudio product page publishes no price and offers only a contact sales route or a link out to the Virtuosity reseller
- They diverge on capability: UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, GeoStudio covers Slope stability analysis.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which UDEC and GeoStudio actually diverge.
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
- Leapfrog
Only in GeoStudio
- Slope stability analysis
- Seepage and groundwater modeling
- Stress-strain analysis
- Probabilistic analysis
- Geotechnical visualization
- ArcGIS
- CAD tools
- Excel
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 GeoStudio
- Assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavationsnot GeoStudio
- Simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnellingnot GeoStudio
GeoStudio
- Slope stability analysis for embankments, dams and open pit wallsnot UDEC
- Groundwater seepage and contaminant transport modellingnot UDEC
- Stress, deformation and thermal 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
GeoStudio
- The GeoStudio product page publishes no price and offers only a contact sales route or a link out to the Virtuosity reseller
- Capability is split across separately purchased plans: three product plans for GeoStudio 2D, two for GeoStudio 3D, and GeoStudio Flow sold apart from both
- Three dimensional analysis requires a different product plan from the 2D one
Pricing, plan by plan
UDEC
On request- UDEC Professional$19000/year
- Distinct element analysis
- Joint modeling
- Block interaction
GeoStudio
On request- GeoStudio Suite$14000/year
- Slope stability analysis
- Seepage modeling
- Stress analysis
Which should you pick?
Choose UDEC if
- You need distinct element modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want joint network modeling.
Choose GeoStudio if
- You need slope stability analysis.
- You work on Windows, Macos.
- You also want seepage and groundwater modeling.
Questions people ask
- Is UDEC or GeoStudio better?
- Neither clearly leads. UDEC starts at On request and GeoStudio at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, UDEC or GeoStudio?
- UDEC starts at On request and GeoStudio at On request.
- Does UDEC or GeoStudio run on more platforms?
- UDEC runs on Windows, Linux. GeoStudio runs on Windows, Macos.
- 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 GeoStudio is typically brought in for.
- What can UDEC do that GeoStudio cannot?
- UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. GeoStudio covers Slope stability analysis, Seepage and groundwater modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Probabilistic analysis. Both handle AutoCAD, Windows support.