2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The matrix stiffness method is the workhorse for modern structural engineering, integrating principles from statics and solid mechanics together to allow for the scalable analysis of indeterminate structures. Furthermore, it serves as an introduction to the finite element method, which enables high-fidelity computational analysis of complex and multi-physics behavior based on principles from continuum mechanics. However, the matrix stiffness method is frequently challenging to understand, requiring the integration of lower-division mechanics classes with principles from linear algebra.

To aid in the process of mastering the matrix stiffness method, an interactive web-based framework is created through the assistance of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and deployed to demonstrate foundational concepts of the matrix stiffness method for trusses and to clarify how each of these components is integrated into the full analysis of a truss. Discussion surrounding the resources used in the creation of this tool is presented to demonstrate the potential of generative AI in creation of interactive documentation. In the final product, users can select a member of a provided truss and follow, through the entire method, the contribution of the truss member to the global stiffness matrix, as well as the underpinning element stiffness matrices in both local and global configuration based on principals from Hooke’s Law. Furthermore, the framework serves as a tool for engineers to engage with an entire solved example of the stiffness method, and to reference for analyses on alternative trusses.

The proposed tool is integrated into Brigham Young University’s Civil Engineering Structural Analysis (CE 321) course. Discussion is presented about the kinds of evaluations that will take place in the future to assess the value of the proposed interactive learning tool from various stakeholders, including students and other faculty. Future work will more thoroughly investigate both stakeholder perceptions and student understanding of the matrix stiffness method based on use of this tool.