The OpenSees Spring School 2026—now in its 10th edition—will take place at the Campus de Couros (University of Minho) in the historic city of Guimarães, Portugal.
The OpenSees course at the University of Minho will take place 5–8 May 2026, preceded by online preparatory sessions on 27–29 April 2026.
This Spring School is an intensive training program focused on numerical modelling and structural simulation using the OpenSees framework, in both Tcl and OpenSeesPy.
The course combines optional online preparatory classes with in-person sessions, covering fundamental finite element concepts, dynamic and nonlinear analysis, and hands-on modelling strategies for real-world structures.
The 2026 edition will feature an expanded, more specialized program and will include, for the first time, a full day dedicated to masonry structures.
Main topics
- Scripting and workflow: introduction to Tcl and OpenSeesPy, efficient scripting practices, use of notebooks and basic parametric studies for structural models.
- Structural dynamics and nonlinear behaviour: modelling and analysis of 2D and 3D frame structures under static and seismic loading, with emphasis on inelastic behaviour and response-history analysis.
- Reinforced concrete and steel structures: material models, distributed and concentrated plasticity, modelling of infills, and practical guidelines for calibrating and validating structural models.
- Advanced applications: geotechnical modelling in OpenSees, soil–structure interaction problems, parametric and model‑updating strategies, and implementation of custom material models and advanced analysis workflows.
- Masonry day (new): introduction to masonry materials and structural typologies, macro‑ and micro‑modelling strategies, software tools for masonry (e.g. dedicated pre‑ and post‑processors), and applications to historical constructions and seismic fragility assessments.
Course format and fees
Participants can choose between two participation modes:
- Full online format: access to all online school activities for a fee of around 150 EUR (to be confirmed, plus VAT).
- Blended format: preliminary online part plus five in‑person days in Guimarães for a fee of around 230 EUR (to be confirmed, plus VAT).
University of Minho and the Engineering School
The University of Minho is a public university founded in 1973, with main campuses in Braga (Gualtar) and Guimarães (Azurém and Couros).
Its School of Engineering, established in 1975, is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research, as well as for strong collaboration with industry in traditional and emerging engineering fields.
Campus de Couros
Campus de Couros is a renovated university area located just south of the historical centre of Guimarães. The campus hosts advanced postgraduate training facilities, the Design Institute, and the Campus de Couros Library. Sessions will be hosted in a classroom typically dedicated to advanced, specialized international master’s programmes, featuring an audio and video setup designed to support online and hybrid delivery.
Guimarães and how to reach it
Guimarães is a historic city in northern Portugal, often referred to as the “birthplace of Portugal” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well‑preserved medieval centre.
The city is about 50 km from Porto and is easily reached from Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) by direct intercity bus in about 40–50 minutes, or by car or taxi in roughly 35 minutes.
From Porto Airport, regular direct buses (e.g. Get Bus) connect the terminal with Guimarães central bus station several times per day, with typical travel times around 40–45 minutes.
Alternatively, participants can travel by metro from the airport to Porto city and then continue to Guimarães by regional train or coach, which offers additional schedule options.