PLAXIS

Documentation + Support Restrictions

• PLAXIS (the company) was purchased by Bentley in 2019.
• Versions of "pre-Bentley" PLAXIS, ending with 2D 2019 and 3D 2018, use a hardware lock and license server for licensing.
• Beginning with version 2020 (a.k.a. "CONNECT Edition"), licensing is done via the same method as the rest of the Bentley products: users can follow the instructions for Bentley software to create a Bentley login and enter our NCSU school code, and licensing is granted based on these credentials.

Additional Usage Notes

PLAXIS 3D usage is restricted to members of Dr. Gabr's group in CCEE.

For members of Dr. Gabr's group who want to use PLAXIS 2020 or newer:

• You will first need to create a Bentley account (if you don't already have one) using the installation instructions document located here:
  Bentley software.
• Your Bentley account will allow you to download the installer directly from Bentley.
• When you run any Bentley software, it requires that you log in with your Bentley account via the CONNECTION Client. Because there are a limited number of licenses, we restrict access to Dr. Gabr's group via these accounts. Email the ITECS Service Desk at eoshelp@ncsu.edu to request access. Once we have the OK from Dr. Gabr, we will add you to the access list.
• Once this has been done, you will be able to open the PLAXIS software on your computer.

A note on PLAXIS 3D v21:
After upgrading to PLAXIS 3D v21, you may receive a message that the software is only a trial. The reason is that there are different levels of PLAXIS and the incorrect one is selected by default. Follow the below steps to select the correct version, "Ultimate":

1. When you start PLAXIS 3D, you are presented with a small popup: 3D PLAXIS Licensing Information. Click the Configure licenses button.
2. On the resulting popup, select PLAXIS 3D Ultimate and then click Accept.
3. PLAXIS should now start with the correct level ("Ultimate") and correct license ("Academic"). You can check this in the Bentley Licensing Tool utility under the Start Menu.

For members of Dr. Gabr's group who use PLAXIS 2019 or older:

• Email the ITECS Service Desk at eoshelp@ncsu.edu to request access. Once we have the OK from Dr. Gabr, we will assist you in installing the software.
• Note that the PLAXIS 2D 2019, PLAXIS 2D 2018, and older licenses expired on 31 March 2020.