Commonly used software for numerical modeling in geomechanics includes FLAC and FLAC3D, which are finite difference codes particularly strong for large deformations and failure analysis in soil and rock (Itasca Software, 2025).
PLAXIS is a finite element software favored for geotechnical engineering projects like foundations and excavations, offering user-friendly interfaces for soil-structure interaction (Bentley Systems, 2024).
ABAQUS, another finite element tool, is used for complex problems, including those involving discontinuous rock masses.
RS2 and RS3 are finite element software often chosen for slope stability and underground excavation designs.
UDEC and 3DEC employ the distinct element method, making them suitable for modeling discontinuous materials like fractured rock (Itasca Software, 2025).
The selection often depends on whether the problem involves continuous media like soil (FEM software like PLAXIS or ABAQUS) or discontinuous rock masses (DEM software like UDEC/3DEC), and whether a 2D or 3D analysis is required (Geoengineer.org).
References:
Bentley Systems. (2024). Geotechnical Engineering Software. https://www.bentley.com/software/geotechnical-engineering/
Itasca Software. (2025). FLAC3D – Itasca Software. https://itascasoftware.com/products/flac3d/
Geoengineer.org. Numerical Analysis Software. (https://www.geoengineer.org/software?terms%5B%5D=73)
