PLAXIS 3D
Solve Your Most Complex Geotechnical Challenges
Analyze surface and underground excavations, shallow, pile and offshore foundations, embankments, ground improvement measures and tunnels. Consider static, dynamic or seismic loading and complex hydrological conditions with time-dependent water level and flow variations.
Take your geotechnical projects to the next level with PLAXIS 3D.
PLAXIS 3D
PLAXIS 3D includes the most essential functionality to perform everyday deformation and safety analysis for soil and rock. This comprehensive software for the design and analysis of soils, rocks, and associated structures makes it easy to model in full 3D.
PLAXIS 3D
The most basic PLAXIS 3D option to perform everyday deformation and safety analysis for soil and rock.
PLAXIS 3D Advanced
Get everything in PLAXIS 3D, plus enhances your design capabilities with advanced features and material models for creep or flow-deformation coupling.
Includes:
- PLAXIS 3D
- Creep or flow-deformation coupling
- Consolidation analysis
- Steady state groundwater
PLAXIS 3D Ultimate
Extend the capabilities of PLAXIS 3D Advanced.
Includes:
- PLAXIS 3D Advanced
- Analyze the effects of vibrations
- Simulate hydrological, time-dependent variations of water levels, or flow functions
Geotechnical Analysis 3D WorkSuite
Seequent’s most comprehensive 3D Geotechnical Analysis solution.
Includes:
- PLAXIS 3D Ultimate
- GeoStudio 3D Advanced
*Prices vary per region. For more options, see licensing and subscriptions section.
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Featured User Stories
User Quote
The power to collaborate with design, construction, and the owner is where PLAXIS really shines. During meetings, I can quickly respond to stakeholder requests by adjusting geometry and sharing multiple scenarios. Being able to model "on the fly" helps us avoid wasting time going back and forth on emails and phone calls.
—Brice Exley, P.E., Haley & Aldrich
Resources
PLAXIS 3D Resource Center
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FAQs
PLAXIS is an easy-to-use, finite element software application that helps with the analysis of subsurface environments for geoengineering projects.
PLAXIS is a computer application that performs finite element analyses (FEA) within the realm of geotechnical engineering, including deformation, stability and water flow. The name PLAXIS comes from Plastic and AXISymmetry, indicating the geometric types handled in the original code of the software application.
Whilst lots of PLAXIS 3D tutorials can be found on Bentley Communities, here are some FREE PLAXIS 3D learning resources available in our eStore.
By applying interface elements PLAXIS users can simulate the interaction between a structure and soil. While without an interface no relative displacement (slipping/gapping) will be possible between structure and soil.
When interface applied, node pairs will be created at the interface of structure and soil. Each node pair consists of two nodes – one belongs to the structure and the other belongs to the soil. The interaction between these two nodes consists of two elastic-perfectly plastic springs. One elastic-perfectly plastic spring to model the gap displacement and one elastic-perfectly plastic spring to model slip displacement.
If you want to receive tailored training or attend a PLAXIS 3D course that is specific to your project requirement, Bentley offers extra training and mentoring services. You can choose from tailor-made training, on-demand learning, consulting services, mentoring and more. Learn more about Expert Services here.
The price of PLAXIS 3D, PLAXIS 3D Advanced, PLAXIS 3D Ultimate and PLAXIS 3D WorkSuite varies per region. While there are various types of licensing available, a common choice is the 12-month practitioner license offered through Bentley’s eStore. When you purchase through the eStore, you get a Virtuoso Subscription, which means you get both the software AND the training, expert services, and custom mentoring you need to get started quickly.
Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company | Seequent is the subsurface software company within Bentley Systems. Together, we’re helping build a more resilient future by connecting the built world above ground with the hidden world below it. It’s easy to purchase a Virtuoso Subscription, through Virtuosity, Bentley’s eStore, and still get the expert technical support from Seequent’s subsurface experts.
Required: Dual Core CPU
Recommended: Quad Core CPU
Operating System
Windows 10, Windows 11
Memory
Recommended: minimum 8 GB
Large projects may require more
Disk Space
Minimum 2 GB free space on the partition where the WindowsTEMP directory resides, and 2 GB free space on the partition where projects are saved. Large projects may require significantly more space on both partitions.
For best performance, ensure that the TEMP directory and the project directory reside on the same partition.
Display
Graphics Card
Required: GPU with 256 MB OpenGL 3.3 Bentley strongly recommends avoiding simple onboard graphics chips in favor of a discrete GPU from the nVidia GeForce or Quadro range with at least 128-bit bus and 1 GB of RAM, or equivalent solution from ATI/AMD.
Video
Required: 1024 x 768 pixels 32-bit color palette, Recommended: 1920 x 1080 pixels 32-bit color palette
For the most up-to-date system requirements, visit Bentley Communities.
Licensing and Subscription options
Choose What is Right for You
One-year license with training
Virtuoso Subscription – A popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses
Get access to software that comes with training – fast! Bentley’s eStore offers a convenient way to lease a 12-month license of Bentley software for a low, upfront cost. Every online purchase comes as a Virtuoso Subscription that includes training and auto-renewals. With no contract required, it’s easy to get started quickly.One-time purchase with support
Perpetual License with SELECT
A perpetual license of Bentley software is a one-time purchase, with a yearly maintenance subscription, called SELECT. This includes 24/7/365 technical support, learning resources, and the ability to exchange licenses for other software once a year. With SELECT, you will benefit from:- License pooling, so you can access your software from multiple computers.
- Access additional Bentley software with Term Licenses, which allow you to pay for what you use without the upfront cost of purchasing a perpetual license.
