INSTRA Academy · Structural Analysis · Python

Learn Structural Analysis
Through Code

Interactive courses for structural engineers. Build real analysis tools in Python — reactions, shear, moments — with live diagrams you control.

📐

Theory First

Every lesson builds physical intuition before writing a single line of code.

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Live Interactive Tools

Sliders update diagrams instantly — see how parameters affect behaviour.

✏️

Write Real Code

Guided practice with a built-in code editor. Blanks to fill, solutions to check.

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Real Engineering

Problems drawn from actual structural practice — not toy examples.

Start Learning Today

Each course is self-contained, interactive, and free to start. More courses are in development.

Beginner

Simply Supported Beam Analysis

Build and use a complete beam analysis tool right in your browser — reactions, shear, bending moment and deflection — then write the Python behind it yourself. No prior Python knowledge required.

Free Python Interactive Deflection Notebook
Coming Soon
Beginner

2D Truss Analysis

Introduction to the Direct Stiffness Method using the simplest structural element. Build a 2D pin-jointed truss assembler — local stiffness matrices, coordinate transformation, global assembly, and member force recovery. No bending, so every concept is as clear as it can be.

Python Direct Stiffness Method Truss Matrix Assembly
Coming Soon
Intermediate

Continuous Beam Analysis

Extend from single-span to multi-span beams using the Euler-Bernoulli beam element. Assemble the global stiffness matrix, apply internal supports and settlement, and extract reactions, rotations, and moment diagrams for continuous structures.

Python Direct Stiffness Method Continuous Beam Euler-Bernoulli
Coming Soon
Intermediate

2D Portal Frame Analysis

Combine axial and bending behaviour in a single 2D frame element. Assemble portal frames with sway, apply horizontal and vertical loads, and extract the full shear, axial force, and bending moment diagrams.

Python FEM Portal Frame Sway Analysis 2D Transformation
Coming Soon
Advanced

3D Space Frame with Truss Roof

Step into three dimensions. Build a 3D frame with a pin-jointed truss roof — 6 DOF per node, full 3D element transformation matrices, and combined frame/truss behaviour in a single global model.

Python 3D FEM Space Frame Truss Roof 6-DOF
Coming Soon
Advanced

3D Moment Frame

Full 3D moment-resisting frame analysis under gravity and lateral loads. Apply code-based load combinations, extract displacement envelopes, and check inter-storey drift against design limits.

Python 3D FEM Moment Frame Lateral Loads Code Checks
Coming Soon
Advanced

Structural Dynamics

From SDOF oscillator to multi-storey building. Compute natural frequencies and mode shapes via eigenvalue analysis, then apply the response spectrum method for seismic loading. Modal superposition visualised interactively.

Python Dynamics Modal Analysis Eigenvalues Seismic

How the Course Works

01

Diagram

Start with an interactive diagram. Move sliders and watch the structure respond. Build intuition before opening a code editor.

02

Guided Code

Starter code with blanks ___ shows you the structure. Fill in the gaps, press Run, and see the result immediately.

03

Check & Extend

Compare your code with the worked solution. Then try changing the numbers — break it, fix it, make it yours.

Start for Free Today

No account needed — just open the first lesson and start coding.

Open Simply Supported Beam Course