Subject: Code Review Request - Dynamic OpenSeesPy Model Creation Framework

[trm0007]

Dear Dr. Yan,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to request your expert review of a comprehensive model creation framework I have developed for OpenSeesPy. This code significantly extends structural modeling capabilities and could potentially enhance the opstool ecosystem. Your feedback would be invaluable to me.
Repository Link:
https://github.com/trm0007/opstool/blob/main/model_creation.py

Code Overview
The framework provides an integrated solution for creating complex 3D structural models in OpenSeesPy with the following key capabilities:

1. Advanced Mesh Generation with GMSH Integration

Dynamic shell element meshing with support for arbitrary polygonal boundaries
Void (hole) support for creating openings in slabs and footings
Internal point embedding for refined mesh control
Multi-algorithm meshing strategy with automatic fallback mechanisms
Intelligent node ID mapping to prevent conflicts in large models

2. Fiber Section Creation and Management

create_dynamic_composite_section(): Creates fiber sections with multiple materials (concrete cover, core, steel reinforcement)
Supports rectangular, circular, and custom polygon sections
Automated rebar placement (line, circular, or point-based configurations)
Section property calculation with proper shear modulus (GJ) handling
Persistent storage (.pkl, .txt, .png) for section reusability

3. Unified Model Building Function

build_model(): Single function to create complete 3D frame structures
Integrates fiber sections, shell elements, boundary conditions, and springs
Multi-shell support - handles multiple slabs, footings, and walls simultaneously
Sequential node/element ID management to prevent conflicts
Zero-length spring elements for flexible boundary conditions
Rigid diaphragm constraints for floor modeling

4. Surface Load Application

apply_surface_load(): Applies pressure loads to shell elements using opstool
Supports distributed loads on slabs and footings
Time series and pattern management for load cases

5. Key Features

No default values - all material properties must be explicitly specified by users (prevents errors)
Comprehensive validation - checks for internal points inside voids, proximity warnings
Automatic mesh recovery - removes problematic points and retries meshing
Visualization integration - generates PNG images and interactive Plotly models
Production-ready output - creates executable Python files for each component

Technical Innovation
The code addresses several critical challenges in OpenSeesPy modeling:

ID Conflict Management: Implements systematic node/element ID ranges (e.g., frame nodes: 1-999, slab1 nodes: 100000+, slab2 nodes: 120000+)
Geometry Validation: Detects and resolves issues with internal points near void boundaries before meshing
Integrated Workflow: Combines fiber section creation, frame modeling, and shell meshing in a single, coherent workflow
Scalability: Demonstrated with a 6-column frame + 2 slabs + 6 footings example (different shapes: square, hexagonal, octagonal, triangular, circular, L-shaped)

My Request
I would be honored if you could:

Review the code for functionality, efficiency, and adherence to best practices in structural analysis
Evaluate compatibility with opstool's architecture and philosophy
Consider integration into the opstool library if you find it valuable
Provide feedback on areas for improvement or enhancement

I am fully committed to refining this work based on your recommendations and would be happy to make any necessary modifications to meet opstool's standards. I am also available to discuss the implementation in detail if helpful.

Acknowledgment
I deeply admire your work on opstool and its significant contribution to the OpenSeesPy community. The library has made structural analysis more accessible and efficient, and I hope this framework can contribute to that mission.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to your expert feedback.
Best regards,
Engr. Md. Towhidur Rahman Miah
towhid.dk2025@gmail.com

P.S. The repository includes a complete working example demonstrating the creation of a 3D frame structure with multiple fiber section types (rectangular with 4 bars, rectangular with 6 bars, and circular with 8 bars), elastic beams, two slabs, and six footings with various geometries.

[yexiang92]

@trm0007 Hi, sorry for the delayed reply—I’ve had a few things to take care of recently. Regarding the code, I don’t have many specific suggestions at the moment. You might consider leveraging some AI tools to help improve code quality. In addition, using a broader set of test cases is often an effective way to assess and enhance code robustness. My initial impression is that some functions are rather large and complex; refactoring them into classes could make the code more structured and maintainable. You’re welcome to push the code using your Git account, and we can discuss it further then. Thanks!

[trm0007]

Subject: Updated Code and Request for Review

Hi  yexiang92,

Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback and for taking the time to review my work despite your busy schedule—I truly appreciate it.

Based on your suggestions, I’ve updated the codebase to make it cleaner, more structured, and more professional, including refactoring larger functions where appropriate. I’ve pushed the updated version to GitHub here:
https://github.com/trm0007/opstool

If you have time, I would be grateful if you could revisit the updated code and share any further feedback.

Additionally, I’ve deployed the project on Hugging Face Spaces for easier review and interaction:
https://huggingface.co/spaces/trm007/streamlit
I’d be honored if you could take a look at this as well.

Thank you again for your guidance and for visiting my repository. I look forward to your thoughts when convenient.

Best regards,
Towhidur Rahman