In Shapemaker, our cloud-based structural engineering software, we’ve integrated a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) solver to support a wide range of structural simulations. This advanced solver, known as OpenSees, was developed by researchers affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley. It is an open source software framework that supports various types of analysis, including linear, non-linear, dynamic, and seismic simulations.
Shapemaker provides tailored FEA setups for different tower types, including lattice towers, monopoles, and guyed masts. Users can choose between linear and non-linear analysis modes. For guyed masts, the system uses a predefined setup with nodal displacements to simulate the pre-tension forces in the cables, capturing the non-linear behavior essential for accurate results.
While the analysis is largely automated and customized for each tower type, certain parameters remain user-configurable for added flexibility.
All FEA calculations run directly in the Shapemaker web app. Key results can be reviewed in the FEA viewer or found in detail in the full report on the results page.
If you'd like to learn more about our analysis features, feel free to reach out at hello@shapemaker.io, we’d be happy to discuss it further.
