Flexible Geotechnical Analysis Software
Perform advanced finite element or limit equilibrium analysis of soil and rock deformation and stability, as well as soil structure interaction, groundwater, and heat flow.
*Prices vary per region. For more options, see licensing and subscriptions section.
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
FEATURED USER STORIES
Golder Associates
Strengthens One of the World’s Largest Subsea TBM Tunnels
Modeling with Bentley’s geotechnical applications ensured quality, safety, and a service life of 120 years.
Arup Singapore
3D Soil Simulations to Design Tower Foundation
The project team saved resource hours and avoided having to use multiple software platforms.
SAIDEL Engineering
Residential Building above Subway Tunnels
PLAXIS provided the industry model, promoting future development over West Bucharest’s tunnels.
PLAXIS Software Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Processor
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.
