Adopting GeoStudio for PLAXIS LE users: A Resource Guide


As PLAXIS LE reaches the end of its development lifecycle, many users are beginning the transition to GeoStudio, Seequent’s solution for geotechnical analysis. This shift represents more than just a change in software. It marks the beginning of a new chapter with GeoStudio, a platform that will continue to evolve with ongoing innovation, expanded capabilities, and deeper integration across geotechnical workflows.

This document serves as a comprehensive collection of practical resources aimed at supporting end-users through this transition, making the transition to GeoStudio as smooth as possible.

Contents

Common Challenges

While GeoStudio offers a powerful and future-ready platform, transitioning from PLAXIS LE can raise concerns for users who are familiar with the legacy tool. Below are the most common challenges users face—and how to overcome them with confidence.

Trust of results: One of the most significant concerns is whether GeoStudio will deliver results as reliable as PLAXIS LE. Building trust in a new tool takes time, but real-world success stories can help bridge that gap.

GeoStudio’s Proven Track Record

GeoStudio has been used for over 40 years in critical infrastructure projects worldwide. Its credibility is backed by a strong foundation in geotechnical science and continuous innovation.

Highlighted Real Projects:

Geometry Model transfer: Transferring models from PLAXIS LE to GeoStudio may seem like a daunting task. These videos provide step-by-step information on the transfer process.

Access results from PLAXIS LE files: Once a PLAXIS LE license expires, users may lose access to the software. It’s essential to prepare in advance. Recommendation:

Export all relevant outputs and reports from PLAXIS LE before the license ends. This includes:

Tips:

Learning a new tool: Time investment is a common concern when adopting new software. Fortunately, Bentley and Seequent offer tailored learning paths to ease the transition.

Training Resources for Getting Started with GeoStudio:

Benefits of using GeoStudio over PLAXIS LE

GeoStudio not only continues the legacy of PLAXIS LE but also expands it with powerful new capabilities, deeper integration, and a clear path for future innovation. Here are some of the key benefits:

Seamless Integration with PLAXIS: GeoStudio is designed to work alongside PLAXIS, enabling users to leverage both tools where appropriate. For example, you can use GeoStudio for limit equilibrium analysis and PLAXIS for finite element modelling—ensuring continuity and flexibility.

Advanced 3D Limit Equilibrium Analysis: GeoStudio 3D introduces powerful tools for 3D slope stability analysis in soil and rock, including reinforced slopes, groundwater coupling and extensive settings for searching and optimization. Examples in practice:

Interoperability with Leapfrog: GeoStudio integrates seamlessly with Leapfrog for both 2D and 3D workflows, enabling users to bring geological models directly into their geotechnical analyses.

Continuous Enhancements & Technical Support: GeoStudio is under active development, with regular updates that introduce new features and usability improvements. Users benefit from a strong support network and a growing library of learning content.

Capabilities users might lose when leaving PLAXIS LE

While GeoStudio offers a modern and continuously evolving platform, it’s important to acknowledge that some specific features or workflows from PLAXIS LE may not have direct equivalents—or may require different approaches—in GeoStudio. Understanding these differences helps users plan their transition more effectively.

Legacy Project Compatibility: Users without a perpetual PLAXIS LE license may lose access to their historical models once the license expires. This can impact on the ability to review past analyses or reuse model setups. Recommendations:

PLAXIS Designer Functionalities: PLAXIS Designer offers a streamlined way to build 3D models for PLAXIS LE. While this tool is not part of GeoStudio, the 3D interface contains built-in environment for 2D/3D model creation and volume meshes import. Reasons to adopt the GeoStudio 3D workflow for model creation:

Certain Analysis Types or Settings: Some niche analysis types or settings available in PLAXIS LE may not yet be implemented in GeoStudio or may require a different modeling approach. For example:

Important Reminders!