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ADVANCED FEATURES

Advanced modeling capabilities
for nonlinear OpenSees analysis

Designed for high-fidelity nonlinear simulation: define complex behaviors, run demanding

analyses, and interpret results with a workflow you can audit and trust.

FEATURE OVERVIEW

Capabilities for demanding
nonlinear cases

Explore the capabilities that extend standard OpenSees workflows.

Each feature addresses a specific nonlinear scenario,

from definition to interpretation of results.

Model

New Materials

Shear Wall Modeling

Contact Analysis

Simulate

Time History

Seismic Isolation

S.S.I.

Interpret

Post-processing

HDF5 Database

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Contact Analysis

Model separation, impact, and interface behavior.

Simulate contact and separation between components under load using robust interaction definitions. Useful for problems where interfaces govern response and failure mechanisms.

  • Define contact interfaces suitable for nonlinear simulations

  • Study slip, separation, and localized effects

  • Interpret complex behaviors with clear visualization outputs

Best for: Interfaces, joints, geotechnical contact, and complex assemblies.

Shear Wall Modeling

Capture wall behavior with detailed nonlinear representation.

Model shear walls with a level of detail suitable for advanced analysis, including layered approaches and nonlinear behavior where needed. Ideal for complex buildings and performance-focused evaluations.

  • Represent walls with strategies suited to nonlinear response

  • Study cracking, damage patterns, and redistribution effects

  • Keep models organized and reusable across similar configurations

Best for: Performance-based assessment of RC walls and complex buildings.

Soil–Structure Interaction

Bring foundation and soil effects into nonlinear simulations.

Incorporate SSI effects to model how soil conditions influence structural response. STKO supports workflows where contact, nonlinear soil domains, and interface behavior matter.

  • Model foundations and nonlinear soil interaction mechanisms

  • Evaluate how soil properties affect response and demand

  • Visualize interaction effects with consistent post-processing

Best for: Geotechnical–structural coupling and site-specific seismic studies.

New Materials

Extend material behavior beyond standard models.

Model advanced constitutive laws and explore innovative materials for demanding nonlinear applications. From research to specialized design cases, STKO supports a flexible material workflow.

  • Work with advanced material definitions for nonlinear response

  • Validate assumptions through consistent result interpretation

  • Build reusable setups for iterative studies and parametric comparisons

Best for: Research, experimental calibration, and advanced material modeling.

Nonlinear Time
History Analysis

Capture real structural response under seismic records

Run dynamic nonlinear simulations to evaluate response, damage evolution, and stability under realistic seismic loading. Ideal when simplified assumptions are not enough.

  • Set up nonlinear dynamic analyses with clear, inspectable model definitions

  • Compare response across different input records and modeling assumptions

  • Interpret results through consistent post-processing and visualization workflows

Best for: Performance-based seismic assessment and research-grade simulations.

Seismic Isolation

Model isolators, dampers, and nonlinear bearings with confidence.

Analyze base-isolated systems and energy dissipation devices to understand decoupled structural response under earthquakes. Useful for design scenarios requiring controlled nonlinear behavior.

  • Represent isolation systems using nonlinear components and connections

  • Evaluate response reduction and displacement demands

  • Compare design options through repeatable simulation setups

Best for: Base-isolated buildings, bridges, and retrofit strategies.

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Post-PROCESSING

Advanced result visualization
and interpretation

STKO offers advanced post-processing tools to explore, interpret,

and validate analysis results. Stress maps, deformation shapes,

and time-history responses help engineers gain insight

into complex nonlinear behavior.

Explicit definition of nonlinear elements

Consistent material modeling

Clear and inspectable model setup

Elementi rotondi piatti
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PRE-PROCESSING

Model complex structures
with full control

STKO provides a powerful pre-processing environment

for building detailed structural models. Geometry, materials,

constraints, loads, and boundary conditions are defined

explicitly, ensuring clarity and consistency with

OpenSees formulations.

Explicit definition of nonlinear elements

Consistent material modeling

Clear and inspectable model setup

Elementi rotondi piatti
04.png

PRE-PROCESSING

Model complex structures
with full control

STKO provides a powerful pre-processing environment

for building detailed structural models. Geometry, materials,

constraints, loads, and boundary conditions are defined

explicitly, ensuring clarity and consistency with

OpenSees formulations.

Explicit definition of nonlinear elements

Consistent material modeling

Clear and inspectable model setup

Elementi rotondi piatti
04.png

PRE-PROCESSING

Model complex structures
with full control

STKO provides a powerful pre-processing environment

for building detailed structural models. Geometry, materials,

constraints, loads, and boundary conditions are defined

explicitly, ensuring clarity and consistency with

OpenSees formulations.

Explicit definition of nonlinear elements

Consistent material modeling

Clear and inspectable model setup

Elementi rotondi piatti
04.png

STKO Support

Get direct support from the STKO community and development team. Discuss modeling, pre- and post-processing workflows, and advanced analysis topics.

STKO Academy

From introductory walkthroughs to advanced modeling sessions, explore on-demand content focused on OpenSees workflows and STKO features.

Documentation

Access detailed documentation covering installation, scripting, and result interpretation. 

Frequently Asked Question

Answers to common questions about STKO, its features, licensing, and available resources.

RESOURCES & SUPPORT

Turn features
into practice

STKO features are supported by a complete ecosystem of documentation, tutorials, webinars, and community-driven support, helping you move from modeling to real-world applications.

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LOOKING AHEAD

STKO is a mature platform already supporting advanced nonlinear analyses

in research and engineering practice. At the same time, it is continuously evolving to address

future challenges and professional workflows, including the upcoming STKO Professional.

Ready to use STKO for
advancedOpenSees analysis?

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