SEAONC Continuing Education Committee presents a seminar on
An Introduction to Nonlinear Structural Analysis Using OpenSees
Dates: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Agenda:
5:00 - 5:30 pm: Registration + Networking with food & drinks* (In-Person Only)
5:30 - 7:30 pm: Presentation
*Limited exhibitor opportunities available. Contact the main office for additional details.
Location: AIA San Francisco, 140 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California 94104, United States
This seminar offers a practice-oriented introduction to nonlinear structural analysis using the OpenSees framework, with a focus on structural engineering professionals. Participants will learn how modern finite-element modeling concepts—such as materials, sections, geometric transformations, and beam-column formulations—translate directly into the OpenSees scripting environment. Through examples drawn from reinforced concrete and steel systems, the seminar demonstrates how axial–moment interaction, plastic-hinge formation, distributed plasticity, and fiber-section discretization influence both model fidelity and computational performance.
In addition to core modeling mechanics, the session will introduce the different ways engineers can work with OpenSees, including the Tcl interpreter, the Python interface (OpenSeesPy), and hybrid workflows that combine interactive notebooks with scripted simulations. Participants will also see how these models can scale from a laptop to distributed high-performance computing systems, enabling large multi-record or parametric studies to run efficiently across many processors.
Attendees will learn how to define nodes, boundary conditions, loads, and recorders; how to choose between force-based and displacement-based elements; and how analysis procedures such as Newton, Modified Newton, LoadControl, DisplacementControl, Newmark, and HHT influence convergence behavior. The seminar will also examine ASCE 41–compliant modeling in OpenSees, with particular attention to a material model and beam-integration approach developed by the presenter for this purpose. The session concludes with practical modeling guidance, common pitfalls, and a structured way of thinking—“THINK before you type”—to help engineers build transparent, defensible, and high-performance OpenSees simulation models.
We look forward to seeing you at the seminar.
About the Speaker
Silvia Mazzoni
Silvia Mazzoni, PhD, is a structural and earthquake-engineering specialist and one of the core developers of the OpenSees framework. Her work over the past two decades has shaped how researchers and practitioners model nonlinear structural behavior, with contributions spanning material formulations, beam-column elements, fiber-section tools, and large-scale simulation workflows for research, design, and performance-based assessment. She has taught OpenSees worldwide—through universities, professional societies, and national research centers—helping bridge the gap between advanced computational modeling and day-to-day engineering practice. Silvia’s teaching emphasizes clarity, mechanics-first thinking, and building models that are as transparent as they are powerful.
Cost:
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In-person
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Virtual
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SEAONC member
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$200
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Individual
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$180
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Non-member
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$250
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Firm registration (up to 5 attendees)
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$500
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Student
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$20
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Firm registration (more than 5 attendees)
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$800
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[In-Person] Registration Deadline: Registrations must be made by 10 AM PST on 5/20.
[Virtual] Registration Deadline: Registrations must be made by 2 PM PST on 5/21.