All-in-one groundwater modelling solution

Simulate a multitude of groundwater processes involving flow, contaminants, groundwater age and heat transport under fully or variably saturated conditions.

Why use FEFLOW?

For over 40 years, groundwater modellers have relied on FEFLOW to simulate flow, mass and heat transport processes in the subsurface. Primarily, FEFLOW enables users to:

      • Analyse interactions below the land surface by including underground structures, tunnels and other types of excavation
      • Predict potential water quality issues in groundwater and provide remediation strategies
      • Model geothermal installations at any scale and depth
      • Investigate groundwater-surface water interaction by coupling FEFLOW to other MIKE surface water models
      • Estimate ground subsidence and predict pumping rates and stability issues in geotechnical and mining projects

Mining & Metals

Reduce environmental impact and make mining practices more sustainable

Civil Engineering & Geotechnics

Ensure the safety and operability of dams, tunnels and construction sites

Geothermal Energy

Optimise geothermal installations

Environmental Services

Optimise the use water supply and reduce contamination risks

No in-house modellers?

Get our expert modellers on board for your consulting projects as a partner, to provide extended user support or for model and project reviews. Do you want to learn FEFLOW? Then check out our extensive training resources.

Additional capabilities & unique features

      • Update models faster using a new conceptual modelling approach – Spend more time on concepts and less on meshing with FEFLOW’s new conceptual modelling approach. Users can now define material information before generating the mesh thereby eliminating the risk of lost information after re-meshing. Watch video
      • Work seamlessly with leading 3D geological modelling programs – Build your geologic model in GeoModeller 3D, GOCAD or Leapfrog Hydro and transfer it to FEFLOW.
      • Create robust, accurate and spatially detailed results – Produce precise spatial representation of complex geology and geometry for rivers, fractures, pipes, tunnels and well locations by creating layer-based, partially unstructured or fully unstructured meshes in 3D. You can also deactivate and reactivate mesh elements within the model domain to account for temporal changes such as tunnel excavations or mine plans. Learn how
      • Represent complex hydrogeologic conditions with elaborate, state-of-the-art visualisation – Create high quality snapshots or video sequences using the highly flexible planar, cross-sectional and 3D visualisation tools. Experience an unprecedented level of insight using Oculus Virtual Reality technology to navigate the model mesh and visualise areas of interest in three dimensions. Learn how
      • Manage scenarios and models with ease – Run scenarios, alter boundary conditions, view results across different vertical layers, evaluate the impact of changes in input assumptions on simulation results and archive your models with FEFLOW’s intuitive design. You can even create a real-time operational system in MIKE OPERATIONS using a FEFLOW model.
      • Build large regional scale models without losing necessary local precision – Rely on FEFLOW to analyse groundwater allocation, catchment zones, wellhead protection, water volume estimation, water origin analysis and well-field optimisation. You can also calculate travel time and model groundwater/surface water interaction, contamination risks, capture zone delineation and managed aquifer recharge.
      • Control all groundwater wells (flow, mass and heat) from a central locationUsing FEFLOW 8.0’s new Well Manager, it’s easier than ever to create, edit and delete Well BC, Multilayer Wells and BHEs, the most important boundary condition in a groundwater model. With just a few clicks, users can import hundreds of wells to gather feedback on problem classes and to identify whether a groundwater well already exists.
      • Streamline well management and optimisation with the enhanced Well Manager EditorThe updated Well Manager Editor simplifies well management by allowing users to group diverse well types, whether they are water or geothermal wells, for more streamlined operations. The Well Manager Editor is evolving into an ‘orchestrator,’ offering users the convenience of testing and applying rules to well groups effortlessly. This transformation in functionality greatly boosts efficiency by enabling users to efficiently handle wells within these groups and apply rules to them, resulting in more efficient and effective well management processes. Watch the video
      • Optimise well management with three versatile new Well Manager rulesFirst, streamline well management with the ‘Inactive Wells’ rule, which enables hassle-free deactivation while retaining data integrity. This ensures you can efficiently manage inactive wells without compromising the integrity of your data. Second, enhance efficiency with the ‘Shared Properties’ rule, which simplifies property changes across multiple wells to ensure consistency. This rule streamlines the process of making property changes, reducing errors and maintaining uniformity across your well portfolio. Lastly, achieve pump rate distribution more efficiently using the ‘Distributed Rate’ rule, which allocates rates equally among wells for optimal performance. This helps maximise the productivity and effectiveness of your well operations by ensuring an even distribution of pump rates. Watch the video
      • Create more robust 3D models using a new workflowAutomatically build 3D models (layered-based, partially-unstructured and fully-unstructured) from a 2D Supermesh using a new, simplified workflow. Watch the video
      • Leverage new 3D editing tools in FEFLOW Supermeshes to decrease reliance on third-party softwareElevate your experience with the enhanced 3D Supermesh creation, editing, and selection methods. Say goodbye to the need for external software as you can now perform these tasks seamlessly within FEFLOW. It all begins with a single surface, which serves as the foundation for constructing an entire 3D Supermesh domain. When dealing with complex fault systems, the 3D Supermesh Plane, equipped with its buffer capabilities, empowers you to incorporate intricate details effortlessly. Watch the video
      • Achieve full model parametrisation in the Supermesh with extended workflowsFEFLOW 8.0 includes extended workflows for model conceptualization in the Supermesh. This enables users to more easily change geometries in the Supermesh (i.e. assign materials, point properties and line properties) before creating a mesh thus reducing the risk of information loss. Watch the video
      • Better evaluate the performance of a PC with an improved Parallelisation Status in the FePEST GUIFor example, users can now more easily identify workers through grouped listings, monitor the CPU and memory and append new workers (local and externals) during the model run.
      • Take advantage of a fully hydrodynamic approach for river modellingModel rivers in the groundwater context more seamlessly using the new Hydrodynamics coupling approach between FEFLOW and MIKE 1D. The flexible selection of river branches will help ease decision making on what/where to couple FEFLOW and MIKE 1D. Watch the video
      • Tap into the power of integrated groundwater resources managementInvestigate groundwater problems from a broader perspective. MIKE SHE results can be directly imported into FEFLOW given a new data regionalization method. This enables you to impose the knowledge of the catchment hydrology in FEFLOW for a better definition of groundwater recharge for example.
      • Import a MODFLOW mesh and results into FEFLOW – MODFLOW users can now take advantage of FEFLOW’s superior results visualisation tools and modelling capabilities by importing an existing MODFLOW 6 model. Learn how
      • Support complex projects with a mature programming interface (API) and free library of plug-ins, applications and examples – Extend FEFLOW’s functionality using a convenient programming interface which makes plug-in development a manageable task – even for less experienced programmers. Benefit from greater access to the FEFLOW kernel and better documentation when building a DSS or during complex modelling. In addition, the FEFLOW-Python interface accelerates daily modelling workflows from pre-processing (material parametrisation) until post-processing including the automatic export of results, creation of impressive graphics with Python libraries, etc. Learn more
      • Interact with FEFLOW using your own code with the improved IFM, Python and FEFLOW consoles – Developers now have access to more than 20 new APIs directly from the IFM interface to support the new conceptual modelling approach. Additional controls are also available including multi-threading for Python runs, the ability to change material properties through the programming interface and a new switch-solver in the FEFLOW console.
      • Build your entire FEFLOW project directly within the FEFLOW Python interface – The extended Python interface allows you to generate both 2D and 3D meshes effortlessly, granting easy access to mesh generators and interpolation methods directly through scripts. This feature enables you to efficiently test and evaluate new conceptual models, all while accommodating variations in geometry and discretisation with minimal time investment. With the power of Python scripting at your disposal, building and customising your FEFLOW projects has never been more flexible and time-efficient, empowering you to streamline your workflow and explore different modelling possibilities. Watch the video
      • Extract 2D meshes from existing 3D models using the new Cross-Section Generator within the Python Interface – With the introduction of the Cross-Section Generator within the FEFLOW Python Interface, you can now extract 2D meshes from existing 3D models. This innovative feature streamlines the process, making it easier to create cross-sections and enhance the visual representation of your models for presentations and reports. The improved FEFLOW Python Interface 2D mesh extraction process simplifies your workflow, allowing for more efficient data visualisation and report generation. This enhancement empowers users to seamlessly incorporate cross-sections into their projects, improving both their workflow efficiency and the overall quality of their presentations and reports.
      • Easily collaborate across disciplines with the new DXF/DWG format support – The new DXF/DWG format support in our application makes it easier than ever to collaborate across disciplines. With this feature, you can directly access and interpret DXF and DWG files within the application environment, eliminating the need for additional software or conversions. This seamless integration enhances efficiency and productivity by bridging hydrogeological insights and CAD design data, allowing professionals from various fields to work together more effectively. Whether you’re a hydrogeologist or a CAD designer, this capability streamlines the collaboration process, enabling you to leverage the strengths of both disciplines and achieve better results in your projects.
      • Maximise productivity and save time on setup, simulations and results evaluation – There’s no need to jump between platforms as FEFLOW is completely integrated. The highly intuitive user interface will be your constant companion – from initial model setup to the presentation of high-quality results graphics.
      • Access your results quickly with simple workflows and parallel solvers – Run fast simulations, even on large models, thanks to FEFLOW’s advanced matrix solvers including the algebraic multigrid solver, SAMG, and the parallel direct solver, PARDISO.
      • Easily visualise and import data with unique map support – Users can access a variety of 2D and 3D map data formats or import a model directly from other geological software such as Leapfrog, GeoModeller 3D and GOCAD. Plus, live connections to local or remote spatial database systems are supported in addition to standard file formats like ASCII text and MS Excel, dxf and shp.
      • Take advantage of the free results reviewer – In Viewer Mode, you can access FEFLOW’s advanced visualisation and post-processing capabilities free of charge. Plus, model reviewers and clients no longer need a software licence to evaluate input data and simulation results.
      • Tap into the power of integrated groundwater resources management – Analyse the interaction between surface water and groundwater like never before. MIKE SHE results can be directly imported into FEFLOW given a new data regionalization method and enhanced MIKE 1D – FEFLOW coupling solution (IfmMIKE11).
      • Start modelling in the cloud with Microsoft Azure cloud support in FEFLOW and FePEST GUIs – Open FEFLOW on Azure Marketplace and start modelling in the cloud in four simple steps. Plus, Microsoft Azure provides a one-click solution for cloud deployment and run execution – from one to thousands. With no infrastructure to set up, you can track results in real-time within the GUIs and try out additional cloud computing resources right away. Learn more

Mining & Metals

  • Develop strategies for efficient mine dewatering – Rely on FEFLOW to model mine dewatering, perform seepage analysis, simulate pit-lakes, assess pumping schemes and estimate water volume. You can also design containment and clean-up strategies for contaminants released in the process or forecast the effects of mine flooding after abandonment.
  • Estimate expected dewatering volumes and times – Automatic seepage assignment, the possibility to include intermittent seepage stages and cutting edge visualisation tools to identify the location and direction of seepage enables users to model various leakage problems from tailings, earth dams, underground pipe networks or underground waste storage tanks.
  • Estimate ground subsidence and more accurately predict pumping rates through hydromechanical coupling – FEFLOW’s new Hydromechanical Coupling module allows users to estimate ground subsidence and more accurately predict pumping rates when changes in effective stress cause changes in pore structure – a significantly benefit to mining applications when accurate inflow predictions are critical.

Geothermal Energy

  • Optimise geothermal installations by modelling geothermal energy and heat transport processes – Users can model all relevant components of heat transport processes including near surface geothermal installations, deep geothermal installations, open and closed loop systems, borehole heat exchangers (BHE), heat exchanger arrays and aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES). You can also simulate the heat transport in porous and fractured media under saturated and unsaturated conditions including interaction with heating and cooling installations. Learn more

Environmental Services

  • Maximise consumer product efficiencies and the development of innovative technologies and new designs – FEFLOW isn’t just for groundwater modelling – it can support your work in the material production sector as well. This agile software empowers users to create highly detailed 3D visualisation of the infiltration and storage processes, predict absorption behaviour and optimise absorber materials with varying geometry and physical properties.
    • Pinpoint sources of contamination – FEFLOW allows you to accurately assess groundwater contamination for one or more chemical species, perform risk analyses including best and worst case scenarios and conduct reactive transport modelling including kinetic reactions and equilibrium sorption. Users can also define well-head protection zones, simulate groundwater flow paths and perform capture zone delineation for pump and treat systems. Learn more
      • Simulate saltwater intrusion – Reduce risks to freshwater reservoirs by modelling coastal saltwater intrusion processes, upcoming processes below production wells, contamination and remediation as well as freshwater storage in saline aquifers. Learn more
        • Calculate groundwater age, lifetime expectancy and exit probability – Only FEFLOW provides a unique set of tools for calculating groundwater age, lifetime expectancy and exit probability enabling users to easily and precisely answer vital questions in aquifer and well-field analysis.
      • Refine data control with the revamped Observation Point Dialogue and centralised user interface – Now, all the model outputs required for calibrating and validating your work are consolidated into one convenient location, streamlining your data management process. You can seamlessly manage budget groups and effectively track flow rates in various contexts, whether it’s within pits or rivers, ensuring precise control over your hydrogeological data. Additionally, staying on top of data is simplified with content group management, which allows effortless tracking of mineral mass within specified volumes. Lastly, you can achieve a deeper understanding of your models by utilising multiple reference curves, enabling more nuanced analysis and insights.
      • Modelling without limits with MIKE Cloud and FEFLOW – The new Cloud Simulation panel allows modelers to deploy FEFLOW / FePEST runs to the cloud as a one-click solutions. Results can be monitored in real time. DHI offers a number of configurations to fit any modelling project.
      • Refine data control with the revamped Observation Point Dialogue and centralised user interface – The new Cloud Simulation panel allows modelers to deploy FEFLOW / FePEST runs to the cloud as a one-click solutions. Results can be monitored in real time. DHI offers a number of configurations to fit any modelling project.
      • Increase reliability of your model results with FePEST – All FEFLOW packages include FePEST – a convenient graphical interface for using PEST with FEFLOW models by John Doherty. It facilitates the setup process and gives immediate graphical feedback on the calibration process and more. Also, parameter estimation or uncertainty analysis tasks can be executed in parallel on many computers. Recent FePEST updates expand the calculation capabilities with built-in cloud parallelisation with Azure services.
      • Support PEST++ methods (IES and GLM) in FePEST – FePEST, a dedicated tool for history matching (model calibration), uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis now supports the use PEST++ within FEFLOW models. With the new Iterative Ensemble Smoother (PESTpp-IES) method, users can directly quantify the uncertainty associated with groundwater models. Watch video
      • Benefit from improved numerics – With the introduction of SAMG Version 2020 and the new PETSc solver package, users can perform GPU-accelerated groundwater modelling, separate error norm types per problem class, experience faster numerical calculations and more!
      • Accurately model capture zones and determine the water origin and proportions of respective sources – With FEFLOW, you can analyse catchment zones, capture zone travel time, the remaining time within a specific water body before exiting the model and water origin within each capture zone. Users can also estimate the water volume required to maintain demanded balances and perform spatio-temporal optimisation of water resources such as pumping schemes and use of artificial recharge. The hydraulic connections between different water systems such as surface water and groundwater as well as different groundwater systems and mixing processes of varying water sources (i.e. fresh water and old saline/brackish groundwater) can also be modelled. Learn more

Have confidence in your work knowing that all parts of the FEFLOW simulation engine have passed extensive benchmark testing against analytical solutions, physical laboratory test results and results from other well-known simulation systems. Plus, you’ll also be supported with extensive, transparent documentation on FEFLOW‘s physical basis and internally used methods.

Let's get started

Learn how your project can benefit from this all-in-one groundwater modelling software.

Complete this form and we will be in touch soon.

You need to accept all cookies before submitting this form! Questions? Reach us at info@dhigroup.com or +45 4516 9200.