OpenCivil: 3D Structural Analysis Engine

OpenCivil: A Transparent 3D Structural Analysis Engine

Note: OpenCivil is currently in its v0.7.x Stable Beta phase and is under constant, active development. New features, solvers, and refinements are being added continuously!

OpenCivil bridges the gap between simplified 2D textbook problems and complex commercial "black box" software. Instead of hiding the math, OpenCivil gives you full visibility into every matrix, transformation, and step of the Finite Element Method (FEM)—while delivering results validated to 6–7 decimal place accuracy against industry-standard tools like SAP2000.

It is not just a solver; it is a window into the mathematics of structural engineering.

Core Features & Capabilities:

• "Glass Box" Solver: Full visibility into 12×12 stiffness matrices, transformation matrices, and fixed-end force vectors. Every matrix is inspectable and exportable to JSON, MATLAB, or Python.
• Advanced Element Libraries: * 3D Frame Elements: Features Timoshenko beam theory, rigid end offsets, member releases, and true-to-scale 3D extrusions.
• Tet10 Quadratic Solid Elements: 10-node quadratic tetrahedra with full 3D stress field recovery and Von Mises contour visualization. Features automatic Gmsh meshing and rigid link MPCs.
• Comprehensive Analysis Suite: Perform Linear Static, Modal (Eigenvalue), Response Spectrum (TBDY 2018), Linear Time History (Newmark-β), and Solid FEM analysis.
• Hybrid Interface: Work your way. Build models visually using the PyQt6 / OpenGL desktop GUI, or type commands directly into the embedded terminal. Every CLI command instantly updates the 3D canvas.
• Python API Integration: Built with a decoupled NumPy/SciPy matrix-driven solver, OpenCivil can be installed via pip for headless, script-driven batch analysis.

Who is OpenCivil for?

• Students: Inspect the math powering commercial software and verify hand calculations against a proven-correct solver.
• Educators: Use real 3D problems instead of simplified 2D examples as a validated teaching companion to commercial software.
• Researchers: Utilize the Python API for extensive batch analysis pipelines and export human-readable project files.

Active Development OpenCivil is an evolving platform. Because the software is constantly being improved, it includes a built-in auto-update feature so you always have the latest engine. Upcoming roadmap features currently in active development include P-Delta Nonlinear Analysis, steel connection design checks, and full DXF import/export support.

Built for speed, accuracy, and absolute transparency.

⚠️ ACADEMIC & EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY. OpenCivil is a free, open-source project developed for academic research and educational purposes at Middle East Technical University (METU). This software is NOT certified for commercial structural design, real-world construction, or professional engineering sign-offs. It is provided "as is" under the MIT License without warranties of any kind. By downloading, you agree to use this tool strictly for learning, benchmarking, and exploring Finite Element Methods.