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    • Seequent is the subsurface software company within Bentley Systems. Together, we’re helping build a more resilient future by connecting the built world above ground with the hidden world below it. It’s easy to purchase a Virtuoso Subscription, through Virtuosity, Bentley’s eStore, and still get the expert technical support from Seequent’s subsurface experts.

    Notice: Important changes to PLAXIS Designer Support. Learn More.

    Build 3D conceptual models, produce visually appealing models, and import data efficiently

    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.

    software screenshot modeling geometry

    Create 3D conceptual models

    Manipulate 3D geometry 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.

    software screenshot of designing geography

    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.

    software screenshot modeling

    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.

    Testimonial_Quote_Marks
    “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 Group

    Technical Capabilities

    Display Geometry Import and Export Calculations

    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
    Display

    Display

    • 2D and 3D views
    • Cross-sectional views
    • Configurable display features
    • MSAA (antialiazing) support
    Geometry

    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 and Export

    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

    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
    Virtuoso Subscription

    Stay nimble and lower costs

    We’ve bundled a 12-month license for trusted Bentley and Seequent software with customizable training from experts and call it our Virtuoso Subscription. With lower upfront costs and flexible support options, businesses of all sizes can now compete with the industry’s heavy hitters.

    LEARN MORE

     

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    Featured Training

    Browse a variety of upcoming training and previously recorded courses taught by our in-house, industry experts.

    View Options
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    Webinars

    Explore our Geotechnical webinars for best practices and engage with industry experts from Virtuosity and Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company.

    Watch Now
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    Blogs

    Read our Infrastructure Insights blog to find tips and tricks and Geotechnical user success stories from around the world.

    Read More

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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. Important changes to PLAXIS LE and PLAXIS Designer Support. Learn more about alternative and migration options.

    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, Bentley’s eStore.

    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 $3,221 USD. Prices vary per region. 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.

    What is Seequent?

    Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company | Seequent is the subsurface software company within Bentley Systems. Together, we’re helping build a more resilient future by connecting the built world above ground with the hidden world below it. It’s easy to purchase a Virtuoso Subscription, through Virtuosity, Bentley’s eStore, and still get the expert technical support from Seequent’s subsurface experts.

    System Requirements

    Operating System

    Windows 10, Windows 11

    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

    Check out Webinars

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    Buy PLAXIS Designer

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