- Reduce model creation times
- Create construction sequences
- Produce stunning client visuals
- Perform material volume calculations
- Represent complex 3D surfaces
Learn more about what PLAXIS Designer can do for you...
What is PLAXIS Designer? What is PLAXIS Designer used for?
PLAXIS Designer is an easy-to-use application for building 3D conceptual models that can help you overcome the challenges of merging and analyzing data. With Bentley’s open modeling environment, PLAXIS Designer enables you to visualize and manipulate geotechnical site data such as topology, boreholes, piezometers, and other field instrumentation data, as well as engineering staged construction and design.
- Create 3D conceptual models
Manipulate 3D geometry with to bridge the gap between raw data and conceptual models. PLAXIS Designer makes it easy to edit existing geometry to represent the integration of new geotechnical designs with existing topology. PLAXIS Designer also helps handle intersections of various surfaces, so 3D geometry can be represented accurately. You can produce exact meshes when objects overlap, and pitchouts become easy to take care of. In addition, you can simplify geometry by filtering out unwanted or unneeded sections. - Produce visually appealing models
The powerful 3D immersive graphics engine enables you to build and manipulate simple to complex models. You do not need to make additional manipulation to access the report-ready results. The digital twin/ model visualizations of designs allows you to share the models and solutions, as the data interoperates with other Bentley analysis and design applications. - Import data efficiently
Create 3D numerical models simply and efficiently. Import geostrata based on borehole data, or from one of many different file formats. Surfaces can be represented as grids or as triangulated surfaces (TINs). Once 3D geometry is created, it can be exported to numerical models in the form of 2D slices or as full 3D models. Locate boreholes on a site, visualize in 3D and integrate with design or topology data, while allowing the development of fence diagrams and 3D interpolation of geostrata layers.
Where can I find PLAXIS Designer tutorials?
PLAXIS Designer tutorials can be found on Bentley Communities. Additionally, here are some FREE PLAXIS learning resources available at Virtuosity, a Bentley company.
Where can I get PLAXIS Designer training?
If you want to receive tailored training or attend PLAXIS Designer course, 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 Designer? How much does PLAXIS Designer cost?
A practitioner license of PLAXIS Designer costs $ 2,800 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 |
Display
- 2D and 3D views
- Cross-sectional views
- Configurable display features
- MSAA (antialiazing) support
Geometry
- Define regions, surface grids, surface meshes (TINs), polygons, polylines, scatter points, piezometers, boreholes and fence diagrams
- CAD drawing functions available
- Customizable display features available
- Elevation and thickness contouring
- Reality modeling/image draping
- Live sensors
- Slurried deposition
- Advanced construction features available
Import
- Import boreholes from gINT and CSV
- Import block models from CSV
- Import from OBJ, 3DS, DAT (TecPlot format), Plain ASCII/CSV, DEM, DTM, DXF Esri grid, STL, and LandXML
Export
- Export data to flat file (CSV), OBJ, and STL
Calculations
- Manual data input/editing
- Data transformations (translation, rotation, scaling)
- Surface adjustment (planar calculations, overlap testing)
- Kriging (for generating grids)
- Extrusion (generate surfaces from cross-sections)
- Set operations (union, xor, subtraction)
- Surface intersections
- Surface clean up and repair
- Mesh refinement
- Surface remeshing
- Merge operations (combine surfaces, regions, polygons)
- Boundary calculations
- Volume calculations
- Filling curve
- Slicing
- Surface cuts and excavations
- Build surfaces from boreholes and fence diagrams
- Depositional surfaces
Operating System
Windows 7 (SP1 or later), Windows 8, Windows 10
Processor
Intel Pentium-based or AMD Athlon-based PC or workstation
Memory
4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended, (more memory typically results in better performance)
Display Resolution
1024 px by 768 px or better
Hard Disk
2 GB free disk space
Video
256 MB VRAM minimum, with full support for OpenGL 3.3
Get more information about PLAXIS Designer today...
We were able to quickly develop the conceptual 3D model using topographic data, borehole logs, and 2D geologic cross-sections. Once the conceptual model was built, we were able to analyze multiple potential failure locations and orientations in excellent time. We highly recommend this software for analyzing similar projects.
Justin Knudsen, P.E. Senior, Civil/Geotechnical Engineer, Tierra GroupYour peers were also interested in...

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