OpenSees Course For Beginners (Free)

About Course:

This advanced training program offers a systematic, application-oriented introduction to OpenSeesPy, the Python interface for OpenSees, designed specifically for structural and earthquake engineers. The course blends theoretical foundations with hands-on programming, nonlinear modeling, and validation techniques using authoritative references such as ATC 76-1 and ETABS.

Note that

This advanced training program offers a systematic, application-oriented introduction to OpenSeesPy, the Python interface for OpenSees, designed specifically for structural and earthquake engineers. The course blends theoretical foundations with hands-on programming, nonlinear modeling, and validation techniques using authoritative references such as ATC 76-1 and ETABS.

Key Learning Outcomes:
Comprehensive Training in Python Programming

In-depth Understanding of Nonlinear Structural Analysis and Modeling

Modeling of Steel and Concrete Structures with Connection Zones

Complete Implementation of a Steel Frame Structure Based on ATC 76-1, with Detailed Validation

Comprehensive Implementation of a Concrete Frame Structure

Validation of Steel Frame Pushover Analysis with ATC 76-1

Validation of Steel Structure Periods Using ATC 76-1 and ETABS

Validation of Concrete Structure Periods via ETABS, Including Key Modeling Considerations

Provision of Convergence Codes for Pushover, Cyclic, and Nonlinear Time History Analyses

Detailed Study of Key OpenSeesPy Elements: twoNodeLink, zeroLength, and truss

Automatic Tools and Custom Python Functions Included:
Automated definition of steel I-shaped and box sections

Automated definition of rectangular concrete sections

Automated implementation of connection zones using:

End-offset method

Rectangular zone

Scissors method

Automated modeling of nonlinear panel zones using the Krawinkler model

Conversion functions between displacement and drift

Quick section generation from property files

Longitudinal mesh generator for concrete elements to enhance accuracy

Convergence codes for pushover and time history analyses

Plotting utilities for automated and comparative visualization

Earthquake record import tools compatible with PEER and OpenSeesPy databases

Detailed Course Structure
Chapter 1: Installation and Setup
Installing OpenSeesPy in Anaconda

Environment setup with Spyder

Required Python libraries and configurations

Chapter 2: Python Programming for Engineers
Python basics, variables, data types, and control structures

Functions, arguments, loops, and logical conditions

Libraries: numpy, pandas, math

Working with arrays, matrices, and CSV files

Chapter 3: Introduction to OpenSeesPy
Overview of OpenSeesPy vs. ETABS vs. ABAQUS

Micro vs. macro modeling

Finite element process and its practical implications

Chapter 4: Basic Modeling and Linear Analysis
Unit systems, coordinate conventions

Cantilever beam modeling and static loading

Time series, visualization using opsvis

Elastic frame analysis and basic output interpretation

Chapter 5: Nonlinear Modeling of Steel Frames
Geometric and material nonlinearity

Fiber section modeling and material selection

forceBeamColumn vs. dispBeamColumn elements

Concepts of kinematic and isotropic hardening

Chapter 6: Pushover Analysis
Lateral loading patterns, convergence techniques

Base shear vs. weight plots

Automated post-processing and graphing utilities

Chapter 7: Visualization and Animation
Using OpsVis, VFO, and Brainery Wiz for model visualization

Modal shape animations and force diagrams

Chapter 8: Nonlinear Panel Zone Behavior
Modeling strategies: Krawinkler, Scissors, Rectangular, Cross

Code templates for nonlinear connection zones

Panel zone behavior under cyclic loading

Chapter 9: Nonlinear Time History Analysis
Newmark method, Rayleigh damping, and record processing

Time integration, output interpretation, convergence tools

PEER ground motion records and structural response animation

Chapter 10: Output Extraction Techniques
Displacement, acceleration, eigenvalues

Local/global force outputs, fiber stress-strain data

Recorder setup for analysis tracking

Chapter 11: Nonlinear Modeling of Concrete Frames
Concrete section modeling using fiber method

Confined/unconfined concrete zones

Longitudinal reinforcement detailing and meshing

Output interpretation and ETABS period validation

Chapter 12: Key OpenSeesPy Elements
zeroLength, twoNodeLink, and truss elements

Joint modeling strategies and degrees of freedom handling

Chapter 13: Leaning Column Modeling
P-Delta effects due to gravity columns

Implementation of leaning columns in 2D/3D models

Chapter 14: Nonlinear Behavior and Deterioration
Damage models and degradation modes for steel and concrete

Concentrated plastic hinge vs. fiber modeling: pros and cons

Advanced Projects
Project 1: Steel Frame System Based on ATC-76-1
Full automation of geometry, material, and section definitions

Nonlinear panel zones, gravity load application, and leaning columns

Pushover analysis, time history simulation, and period validation via ETABS

Output comparison with ATC benchmarks and parameter sensitivity studies

Project 2: Concrete Frame System
Automated modeling from section data files

Longitudinal meshing, pushover, and time history analyses

Comparison of model assumptions and period matching with ETABS

This course is ideal for graduate students, researchers, and practicing engineers who seek a deep understanding of nonlinear structural modeling and simulation using OpenSeesPy. All examples are based on real-world projects and validated using established references in structural earthquake engineering.