$ 3,200 – $ 6,150 12 month subscription license
- Model diverse geotechnical problems
- Create FE models quickly and efficiently
- Simulate various types of soil and rock behavior
- Achieve consistently accurate results
- Conduct powerful and versatile post processing
- Increase the application’s versatility
Learn more about what PLAXIS 2D can do for you...
What is PLAXIS 2D?
PLAXIS 2D is a user-friendly, finite-element package that provides you with the ability to model diverse geotechnical problems from a single, integrated application. You can analyze the deformation and stability of projects ranging from excavations, embankments, and foundations to tunneling, mining, and geomechanics.
Because every firm has different needs, there are multiple variations of PLAXIS 2D, so you can choose which is best for you.
- PLAXIS 2D
PLAXIS 2D includes all the essential functionalities to perform everyday deformation and safety analysis for soil and rock that do not require the consideration of creep, steady state groundwater or thermal flow, consolidation analysis, or any time-dependent effects.
View comparison matrix. - PLAXIS 2D Advanced
PLAXIS 2D Advanced includes everything that is included in PLAXIS 2D, plus it enhances your geotechnical design capabilities with more advanced features and material models to consider creep, flow-deformation coupling through consolidation analysis and steady state groundwater or heat flow. It also solves your problems faster than PLAXIS 2D with the multicore solver. View comparison matrix. - PLAXIS 2D Ultimate
Extend the capabilities of PLAXIS 2D Advanced with additional capabilities for analyzing the effects of vibrations in the soil, such as earthquake and traffic loads; simulate complex hydrological, time-dependent variations of water levels, or flow functions on model or soil boundaries; and assess the effect of transient heat flow on the hydraulic and mechanical behavior of soil. View comparison matrix. - PLAXIS 2D WorkSuite
PLAXIS 2D WorkSuite is the most comprehensive option of PLAXIS 2D which includes PLAXIS 2D Ultimate and PLAXIS 2D LE. PLAXIS 2D WorkSuite integrates the powerful and user-friendly finite element and limit equilibrium analysis capabilities of PLAXIS applications for the design and analysis of soil, rock, and associated structures.
- Model diverse geotechnical problems
A user-friendly interface helps you create logical geotechnical workflows for models by guiding design efforts across different modes:- Soil mode allows the definition of multiple boreholes to create a complex soil profile or geological cross-section
- Structures mode allows the definition of loading conditions with prescribed loads and displacements, as well as structural elements such as piles, anchors, and geotextiles
- Tunnel Designer enables the creation of tunnel cross-sections, structural features, and loading conditions
- Mesh mode allows the generation and inspection of mesh elements for FEM calculation
- Staged construction mode enables the close simulation of staged construction with the activation and deactivation of soil clusters, structure elements, and loading
- Create FE models quickly and efficiently
CAD-like drawing capabilities enables you to rapidly create precise models while leveraging the application’s geometry. A wide range of constitutive soil models are developed to closely simulate the behaviors exhibited in various geomaterial for a realistic prediction of stresses and deformations.
- Simulate various types of soil and rock behavior
Constitutive models, that range from simple linear to advanced, highly nonlinear models, provide the ability to predict movement for the type of ground found at the site.
- Achieve consistently accurate results
The robust calculation procedures of PLAXIS 2D are well proven, which means calculations will converge to provide you with accurate results. Multi-core calculations and a 64-bit kernel allows functionality with even the largest and most complex models.
- Conduct powerful and versatile post processing
The PLAXIS Output program provides you a full suite of visualization applications to check the details of underground soil-structure models. Display forces, displacements, stresses, and flow data in a variety of ways, including contour, vector, and iso-surface plots. Use cross section capabilities to inspect areas of interest in greater detail and enhance plotting by copying tables from other software.
- 2D Geotechnical Dynamic Modeling
Analyze the effects of man-made or natural seismic vibrations in soil. Perform dynamic analyses in a user-friendly, efficient, and accurate way regardless of the vibration source or scale. Accurately calculate the effects of vibrations with a dynamics analysis when the frequency of the dynamic load is higher than the natural frequency of the medium. Low-frequency vibrations can normally be calculated with a pseudo-static analysis by default available in PLAXIS. PLAXIS 2D Ultimate also allows for performing a ground response analysis, and liquefaction analysis using the PM4Sand and UBCSand models. - 2D Geotechnical Groundwater Flow Analysis
We all know that taking groundwater flow into account in your geotechnical, environmental, and hydrological engineering projects is critical. Go beyond the default options of steady-state groundwater flow analysis of PLAXIS 2D Advanced. Perform time-dependent groundwater analysis and simulate the unsaturated, time-dependent, and anisotropic behavior of soil, as well as simultaneously calculate changes in pore pressures and deformation by performing a fully-coupled flow-deformation analysis. - 2D Geotechnical Thermal Modeling
Integrate thermal analysis seamlessly with PLAXIS 2D Ultimate. PLAXIS 2D Ultimate is equipped with specialized capabilities to deal with changing soil properties due to temperature change, enabling engineers to anticipate and react to potential stability issues, such as foundation challenges in arctic areas. When the effects of heat flow on the hydraulic and the mechanical behavior of soils and structures need to be taken into account in geotechnical designs, you can count on PLAXIS. Plus, if you need full thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling, the PLAXIS 2D Ultimate is exactly what you will need.
What does PLAXIS mean? What is PLAXIS used for?
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.
What is the difference between the various PLAXIS 2D products?
Where can I find PLAXIS 2D tutorial?
Whilst lots of PLAXIS 2D tutorials can be found on Bentley Communities, here are some FREE PLAXIS 2D learning resources available at Virtuosity, a Bentley Company.
What is interface in PLAXIS?
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.
Where can I get PLAXIS 2D training or PLAXIS course?
If you want to receive tailored training or attend a PLAXIS 2D course that is specific to your project requirement, Virtuosity 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 at Virtuosity here.
What is the price of PLAXIS 2D? How much does PLAXIS cost?
A practitioner license of PLAXIS 2D costs $3,200 USD, PLAXIS 2D Advanced costs $4,000, PLAXIS 2D Ultimate costs $5,700 and PLAXIS 2D WorkSuite costs $6,150 USD at Virtuosity.com. Prices vary per region. To see the price in your region, select your region at the bottom of the page. While there are various types of licensing available, a common choice is the 12-month practitioner license offered through Virtuosity, Bentley's eCommerce store. When you purchase through Virtuosity 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.
Expert services and tailored training, when and where you need it.
At Virtuosity, we understand how important it is to get the most out of every working moment. You need to limit downtime, and use each software application to its fullest potential. There is just no time to spare. That's why every software purchase through Virtuosity comes as a bundle with “Keys” or credits that can be redeemed for expert services and training, so you can get started right away. Learn more about our training options.
We call this bundle the Virtuoso Subscription.Each practitioner license comes with a number of "Keys" and you can always purchase additional "Keys" as you go.
There is a menu of expert services and training options that you can redeem your "Keys" for:
Keys |
Hours |
|
Quick start training Virtual classroom training is a great way to quick-start your success. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Recorded online sessions OnDemand sessions can be very helpful and convenient. They include information on the latest software, workflows, and systems. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Standard training Standard training offers a thorough understanding of general features, workflows and tools of the application. |
1 key | 4 hours |
Customized training With tailored training you can set your own agenda for training and get something to suit your specific requirements. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Consulting If you have a challenging or unique project, you may choose to expand your team with one of our experts. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Mentoring Get one-on-one mentoring from a product expert. Choose from a variety of topics including design, analysis, and modeling techniques. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Modeling
- Spatial variation of preconsolidation
- Tunnel deconfinement
- CAD export
- Nonlinear geogrids: Elastoplastic (N-ε) and Viscoelastic (time-dependent)
- Cross and parallel permeability in interfaces
- Polar and rectangular array
- Nonlinear embedded beam row (M-ĸ diagrams)
- Easy definition of rock bolts in Tunnel Designer
- Unlimited combinations of point forces and distributed loads
Material Models
- Anisotropic Clay Models: S-CLAY1 and S-CLAY1S
- Concrete
- Masonry
- Mixed Isotropic-kinematic Hardening Elastoplastic Models for Structured Clay
- N2PC-Salt
- Hoek-Brown with parameter guide
- Generalized Hardening Soil
- OC-Clay
- PM4Sand
- Soft soil (with and without creep)
- Sekiguchi-Ohta, viscid and inviscid
- SHANSEP MC
- SHANSEP NGI-ADP
- Swelling Rock
- NGI-ADP
- Jointed rock
- UDCAM-S with cyclic accumulation and optimization tool
- UDCAM-S
- User-defined soil models
- Visco-elastic perfectly plastic
- CLoE Hypoplastic
- Creep-SCLAY1S
- Frozen and Unfrozen Soil
- Material Models
- MIT S1
- Mohr-Coulomb (Linear Elastic Perfectly Plastic)
- Modified Cam-Clay
- Hoek-Brown (rock behavior)
- Hoek & Brown model with softening
- Hypoplastic model with inter-granular strain
- Hardening Soil (Isotropic hardening)
- Hardening Soil with small-strain stiffness (HSSmall)
- Isotropic Jointed Rock with Mohr-Coulomb Failure Criterion
- Joined Rock (anisotropy)
- UBC3D-PLM (based on UBCSAND)
- Soft Soil
- Soft Soil Creep (time dependent behavior)
- Sekiguchi-Ohta
- NGI-ADP (anisotropic undrained shear strength)
- NorSand
- PM4Silt
- Fluid
Calculations
- Field stress initial calculation type
- Well-proven and robust calculation procedures
- Multicore computing
- Include or exclude soil clusters and/or structural elements in safety analysis
- 64-bit calculation kernel
- Facilities for steady-state groundwater flow calculations, including flow-related material parameters, boundary conditions, drains, and wells
- Distinguish between a plastic calculation, consolidation, and safety analysis
- Automatic regeneration of construction stages
Results
- Load-displacement curves
- Use the Output command line to display plots, or save plots with user-defined resolution
- Select number of significant digits displayed
- PLAXIS 2D Viewer
- Automatic centerline extraction for structural forces plots
- Structural forces in Volumes (Tunnel lining, retaining wall)
- Resulting Force View
- Preview Calculation results
- Plot Annotations
Usage
- Rock-mass response and surface settlements due to tunneling, mining, or reservoir depletion
- Slope stability and seepage analysis for large earth dams, tailing dams, embankments, and pit mines
- Predicting differential settlements of buildings adjacent to excavation pits
- Stability of and seepage into excavation pits, lateral displacements of diaphragm walls
- Calculate necessary consolidation time for pore pressure dissipation in undrained loading problems
- Bearing capacity and foundation settlement analysis for high-rise buildings, LNG tanks, and other structures
Subscription Entitlement Service Supports
- Provides a universal ID to link together all activity within Bentley applications
- Manage license entitlements at a user level, without requiring activation keys or hardware dongles
- Access personal learn material, paths and history, timely product related news, automatic product updates, and notifications
Operating System
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Windows 8 Professional 64-bit
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Graphics Card
Required: GPU with 256 MB OpenGL 1.3
Recommendation: 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.
Processor
Required: Dual Core CPU, Recommended: Quad Core CPU
Memory
Recommended for 2D: minimum 4 GB. Large projects may require more.
Hard Disk
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.
Video
Required: 1024 x 768 pixels, 32-bit color palette, Recommended: 1920 x 1080 pixels, 32-bit color palette
Get more information about PLAXIS 2D today...
The use of PLAXIS and the help from PLAXIS experts resulted in a very successfuly ground freezing project. The measured results were very consistent with the modeled behavior, resulting in cost and energy saving.
Joseph A. Sopko, Ph.D., P.E. Director, Ground FreezingYour peers were also interested in...

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