Plaxis

PLAXIS is a finite element software package for geotechnical engineering developed by Plaxis B.V., a Dutch company. It is designed to analyze the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of soil and rock subjected to static, dynamic, and load-dependent conditions, with emphasis on ground-structure interaction. The program supports two-dimensional (PLAXIS 2D) and three-dimensional (PLAXIS 3D) analyses and enables nonlinear, time-dependent, hydro-mechanical simulations, including seepage, consolidation, and construction-stage sequencing.

In 2012, Plaxis B.V. was acquired by Bentley Systems, and PLAXIS has since been integrated into Bentley’s software ecosystem. PLAXIS is widely used in industry and academia for planning, design, and research related to geotechnical projects. Its capabilities cover a range of geotechnical applications such as foundation design, embankments and slopes, tunnels and underground excavations, earth dams, and ground improvement strategies.

Key features include multiple nonlinear constitutive models for soils and rocks (for example Mohr-Coulomb, Hardening Soil, and Soft Soil models) and the ability to simulate coupled hydro-mechanical processes. Users can perform staged construction, time-dependent analysis, seepage and pore pressure calculations, and dynamic or seismic loading analyses. The software provides detailed outputs such as deformations, stresses, pore pressures, and performance indicators, supporting design verification and risk assessment.

PLAXIS remains a standard tool for geotechnical analysis, offering a specialized environment for modeling complex soil-structure interactions, consolidation effects, and stability under varied loading scenarios.