Continuum modeling for geomechanics in 3D
What is FLAC3D?
FLAC3D™ is a numerical modeling program for geotechnical and rock mechanics problems that operate in three dimensions. Unlike traditional 2D limit‑equilibrium software, FLAC3D uses an explicit finite‑volume formulation to simulate soil, rock, and concrete behavior under stress and to build detailed models of tunnels, mines, caverns, and other subsurface structures. The ability to model deformation and failure in 3D gives engineers insight into how materials will behave under different loading conditions, helping with project planning and risk mitigation.
Key Analyses in FLAC3D
Small- & Large- strain Mechanics
Gridpoints can remain fixed or move with displacement
Effective Stress and Automatic FoS
Calculate pore pressure dependent effective stress and determine factors of safety instantly
Back-Analysis & Forward-Prediction
Calibrate models against observed behavior and predict future performance
Multiple Simultaneous Failure Mechanisms
Model gradual excavation, construction sequencing, and complex failure models
Groundwater Flow & Liquefaction
Simulate coupled fluid flow, pore pressure build-up, and liquefaction
Settlement, Consolidation, Surface Subsidence & Recovery
Evaluate time-dependent ground movements
Ground-Structure Interaction
Couple soil or rock with beams, cables, piles, shells, geotextiles, or liners
Add-on Options
Dynamics (earthquakes, blasting, vibration), Thermal, Creep, User-defined Constitutive Models, and IMASS damage model
Dynamics in FLAC3D
Realistic Simulation of Dynamic Events
Model transient and cyclic loads with high stability and accuracy, from seismic wave propagation in complex geology to blast vibrations in underground mines. Dynamics handles scenarios where inertia effects dominate, capturing the full picture of ground motion and structural response.
Advanced Boundaries and Coupling
Use absorbing and free-field boundaries to prevent false wave reflections, and couple soil, rock, and structural elements for integrated soil-structure interaction. Hydro-mechanical coupling allows pore pressure build-up and liquefaction effects to be included in seismic safety assessments.
Performance and Coupling
Run large, detailed models efficiently with parallel processing. Bring results to life with 3D animations of wave fronts, stress fields, and deformations — making it easier to validate findings and share insights with clients, regulators, and project teams.
Ease of Use
Interactive Modeling
Import CAD files, generate meshes, skin boundaries and automatically initialize stress state
Advanced Meshing
Use Griddle or Rhino 3D CAD to build complex meshes that convert seamlessly into FLAC3D grids
Group Assignments and Material Database
Assign Zones and Materials using the built-in database to quickly organize your model to logical groups
Commands and Repeatability
Create data files that capture all model steps and ensure that excavation sequences and boundary conditions are repeatable
Performance and Speed
- Multi‑threading & optimized solvers: Simulations run fast and accurately thanks to multi‑threaded solvers
- Maxwell damping & enhanced solvers: Dynamic, fluid‑flow, and thermal analyses benefit from Maxwell damping and improved solvers for shorter run times
- Parallel runs: Run two models on one computer simultaneously to reduce total solution time
Power and Flexibility
- Large-strain simulation: Visualize full deformation of models
- 26 built-in constitutive models: Choose from a library of material models covering ground behaviors or extend functionality with user-defined models
- Dynamic and nonlinear analysis: Simulate earthquakes, liquefaction, and nonlinear deformable structures for ground support
- FISH and Python scripting: Automate model control, customization, and post-processing using FISH or Python; multi-threaded scripting delivers efficient workflows
- Flexible interface: Tile the workspace to manage hundreds of plots; build, construct and modify the modeling workflow as needed
- Portability of licenses: Use web licenses or USB keys to move licenses between computers; run multiple instances and centrally manage seats
Request a Quote or Download Demo
Experience the innovation firsthand. Request a tailored quote to suit your specific needs or try a free demo to explore FLAC3D features and capabilities.