OpenSees Cloud

OpenSees AMI

Structural Analysis Is Simple (on Substack)

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You form the equations, you solve the equations, you update the equations.

I have contributed to OpenSees, a widely-used finite element analysis software framework, throughout my academic career. There are many resources available on how to use OpenSees.

This Substack will not be about OpenSees.

While many people are able to use OpenSees or any other structural analysis software, some misinterpret or do not understand the underlying principles. University courses can only scratch the surface. Plus, no single textbook can cover all the concepts and methods of linear and nonlinear structural analysis, structural dynamics, and structural reliability.

And if that textbook did exist, it would cost $800. And that textbook would be static (as in frozen in time) and can only incorporate new content in unlikely subsequent editions, years from now.

On the other hand, online digital content is dynamic and can bring in new ideas and approaches, right now, like a living, breathing textbook.

This Substack will be a living textbook on structural analysis.

But the most important part of this Substack will be you, the reader, who offers feedback that will make the living textbook better for the entire community.

What to Expect

Posts will begin in early 2025. Expect two posts per week.

The posts will, more or less, form a serialized textbook that covers various topics from structural analysis. There will be some theory, but not a lot of math. I’m not here to flex my non-existent math skills.

Examples will range from simple to complex, but before moving on to the next example, all aspects of the current example will be explored—static, dynamic, linear, nonlinear, stochastic, etc.

Free subscribers will be able to view all posts.

Paid subscribers will gain access to example analysis scripts, exercises (like you would find in a textbook), and other premium content.

In addition to premium content, subscribers who make a Founding pledge will get an annual 30 minute Zoom with me, where my brain will be your brain and you can ask me anything about structural analysis.

Pledge your support today! You will not be charged until posts begin.