OPTUM GX
Geotechnical analysis software for 2D and 3D
OPTUM GX is a modern geotechnical analysis platform that moves beyond traditional Limit Equilibrium (LEM) methods and into fully Finite Element-based design. Using Strength Reduction and Finite Element Limit Analysis (FELA), it enables engineers to simulate real soil behaviour without assuming how failure occurs.
In a single program, you can model in 2D (plane strain/axisymmetry) and 3D, using a comprehensive library of soil and structural material models. OPTUM GX is built to save engineers’ time: it delivers fast, accurate, and convergent analyses with no mesh-convergence tuning and minimal numerical troubleshooting — from routine checks to advanced geotechnical design of foundations, embankments, slopes and retaining structures.
For teams that need to automate and standardise their workflows, OPTUM GX includes a built-in Python scripting and plugin environment plus a report generator that turns analysis results into clear, consistent documentation in minutes.
Applications
Foundations (2D & 3D)
Key Features
Work in 2D & 3D seamlessly
Fast reporting & documentation
From 2D to 3D in one click
Many geotechnical problems can largely be considered 2D, but certain features make a purely 2D approximation inaccurate, for example, a pile-reinforced slope or a square foundation on a retaining wall. While the overall geometry can often be treated as 2D, these additional elements — such as pile rows and square foundations — make the problems inherently 3D.
To achieve the most accurate representation of reality and ensure reliable results, 3D modeling is essential.
With OPTUM GX, you can model the overall geometry in 2D and seamlessly extrude it into 3D, adjusting as needed. That means you can quickly validate your 2D model, design with confidence, and save a lot of time — all at once.
Extract 2D sections from complex 3D models
And it works the other way, too. If you’re working on a large 3D model with complex geometry, you may want to analyse specific sections in more detail, for example, to evaluate Factor of Safety.
With OPTUM GX, you can instantly extract 2D cross-sections and analyse them using standard plane strain methods.
This allows for fast and reliable sectional analysis — and it's an invaluable tool for quality assurance of complex 3D models.
Python Scripting
Tired of the repetitive grind of setting up geotechnical models with only minor parameter variations? We get it. Reconfiguring the same problem again and again wastes valuable time and breaks your workflow. That’s why we developed a smarter solution that transforms the way engineers handle model setup.
The OPTUM GX plugin for Python lets you automate your project setup — from geometry and materials to loads and boundary conditions — all directly from your script. No more repetitive manual input for every new iteration.
Need even more control?
GX supports custom scripting and automation, allowing advanced users to build tailored solutions, specialized workflows, or even full custom applications — all within the Optum environment.
Automate repetitive tasks: Quickly generate multiple project variants without rebuilding from scratch.
- Work faster, with fewer errors: Streamline your workflow and reduce the risk of manual setup mistakes.
- Accelerate iteration and optimization: Make quick modifications and rerun models with ease — perfect for parameter studies and design exploration.
“A past project required 3,000 hours to design 50 berms.
With Au2Rox™ 2.0 in auto mode, the same design was completed in just 3 hours — demonstrating a time-saving factor of 1,000 while using the custom plugin feature in OPTUM GX.”
Reporting & Documentation
Tired of spending hours manually documenting your projects? OPTUM GX automates reporting — saving engineers valuable time and ensuring consistent, high-quality documentation.
The built-in reporting module lets you generate clear and comprehensive reports in just a few clicks.
Each report can be customized and typically includes:
Geometry sketches
Material data tables
Construction stage sequences
Key results such as deformation plots, force diagrams, and collapse mechanisms
OPTUM GX combines FEM and FELA
Geotechnical projects are becoming more demanding — with tighter deadlines, stricter documentation requirements, and increasing geological risks. Engineers are asked to design for complex conditions with minimal investigation, while still guaranteeing safety and serviceability.
In this context, simplified methods like LEM can no longer keep up. Assumptions about failure surfaces and soil behavior may lead to overconservative designs — or worse, an underestimation of risk. FEM and FELA provide a more realistic picture by simulating how structures deform and fail under load.
The difference briefly
Limit Equilibrium (LEM): Assumes a failure surface and checks if forces or moments are balanced. Fast, but relies on simplifications.
Finite Element Method (FEM): Simulates stress, deformation, and pore pressure — without assuming failure surfaces.
Finite Element Limit Analysis (FELA): Calculates the true failure load using material strength and plasticity theory — with no need to assume how failure occurs.
Safety factors from Upper, Lower, and Mixed Limit Analysis
Strength Reduction analysis for deformation and serviceability
Coupled seepage–deformation models (steady and transient)
Accurate modelling of complex soil–structure interactions
Why OPTUM GX Stands Out
Always converges – no mesh convergence issues or manual tweaking
2D and 3D in one – convert with a click, no rework
FEM-only workflow – fewer iterations, no assumptions, no workarounds
Mixed Elements – hybrid formulation delivering fast, precise failure loads
Python scripting – for automation, batch runs, parametric studies
Automated reporting – generate PDFs in seconds
Adaptive mesh refinement – precision where it matters most
OPTUM GX vs Other Geotechnical Software
Other tools such as PLAXIS, GEO5 or RS2/RS3 combine LEM with FEM or split 2D and 3D into separate programs. OPTUM GX offers a single FEM-only environment, where failure modes emerge naturally and designs are always stable — no back-and-forth, no duplicated modelling, no assumptions.
With OPTUM GX, engineers get results faster, document them instantly, and work more efficiently — all with higher confidence.
Pricing
Plane strain and axisymmetry (2D)
3D solid modeling
Steady state groundwater flow
Many material models including HSSmall
Limit analysis and elastoplastic analysis
Python scripting
SI and Imperial units
Everything included in BASIC
Full 3D analysis and design
Plane strain and axisymmetry (2D)
Time dependent groundwater flow in 2D and 3D
Transient seepage
Fully coupled flow deformation analysis
Frequently ASked Questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us here.
Articles
Finite Element Analysis Software for Geotechnical Engineering (2D & 3D)
Soil Modelling Software for Advanced Geotechnical Design
Seepage Analysis Software
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