PLAXIS 3D

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 plane strain and axial symmetry, indicating the geometric types handled in the original code of the software application.

Where can I find PLAXIS 3D tutorial?

Whilst lots of PLAXIS 3D tutorials can be found on Bentley Communities, here are some FREE PLAXIS 3D 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 3D training or PLAXIS course?

If you want to receive tailored training or attend a PLAXIS 3D 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 3D? How much does PLAXIS 3D cost?

A practitioner license of PLAXIS 3D costs $9,990 USD and PLAXIS 3D WorkSuite costs $13,875 USD at Virtuosity.com. To see the price in your local currency select your currency at the bottom of this 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.

PLAXIS 3D Dynamics: 3D Geotechnical Dynamic Modeling Software 

Analyze the effects of man-made or natural seismic vibrations in soil with PLAXIS 3D Dynamics. Perform analyses on the effects of vibrations in the soil from earthquakes, pile driving, vehicle movement, heavy machinery, or train travel. PLAXIS 3D Dynamics is an easy-to-use, add-on module to PLAXIS 3D; so, when you need something that goes beyond the low-frequency vibrations, this is the choice for you. PLAXIS 3D Dynamics module can handle more advanced seismic analysis than what is available by default in PLAXIS and can 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.  

PLAXIS 3D Dynamics also allows for performing a ground response analysis, and liquefaction analysis using the UBCSand model.

PLAXIS 3D PlaxFlow: 3D Geotechnical Groundwater Flow Software 

Go beyond the default options of steady-state groundwater flow analysis of PLAXIS with the PLAXIS 3D PlaxFlow add-on module. Simulate the unsaturated, time-dependent, and anisotropic behavior of soil with PLAXIS 3D PlaxFlow. Simultaneously calculate changes in pore pressures and deformation by performing a fully-coupled flow-deformation analysis. Plus, the Flow-only mode excludes displacements and stresses from the calculation if you are only interested in groundwater flow, making this application easier to use.  

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.

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:

Modeling 

• Automatic Swept Meshing for more efficient meshes 
• Elastoplasticity for beams and plates 
• Revolve around axis tool
• CAD import and export
• Nonlinear geogrids: Elastoplastic (N-ε) and Viscoelastic(time-dependent) 
• Cross and parallel permeability in interfaces 
• Polar and rectangular array
• Easy definition of rock bolts and girders in Tunnel Designer  
• Define excavation sequence in the Tunnel Designer
• Automatic generation of staged construction phases for tunnels  
• Design arbitrary geometries combining NURBS curves and polycurves 
• Automate processes with full command line support and remote scripting API

Material Models 

Calculations 

• Field stress initial calculation type
• Full 64-bit software 
• Multicore computing
• Well-proven and robust calculation procedures 
• Plastic calculation, consolidation analysis, and safety analysis 
• Pseudo-static and dynamic analysis, including dynamics with consolidation
• Facilities for steady-state groundwater flow calculations, including flow-related material parameters, boundary conditions, drains, and wells
• Fully coupled flow-deformation analysis
• Convenient and intuitive Phase explorer 
• Automatic regeneration of construction stages for geometric changes 
   

Results 

• Structural forces from cylindrical and square volume piles 
• Realistic assessment of stresses and displacements 
• Output Model Explorer 
• Movable cross-sections 
• Extensive report and movie generator 
• Contour, shading, iso-surface, and vectors plots 
• Advanced data slicing  

Usage 

• Rock-mass response and surface settlements due to tunneling, mining, or reservoir depletion 
• Slope stability and seepage analysis for earth and tailing dams, embankments, and open pit mines 
• Predicting differential settlements of buildings adjacent to excavation pits 
• Stability of and seepage into excavation pits, lateral displacements of diaphragm walls 
• Bearing capacity analysis of suction anchors 
• Calculate consolidation time for pore pressure dissipation in undrained loading problems  

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   

Processor 
Required: Dual Core CPU
Recommended: Quad Core CPU 

Operating System
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Windows 8 Professional 64-bit
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

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 1.3 Bentley 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