How do I simulate a pergola?

Open this page and use the live Seismic Base Shear tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a pergola from your own measurements.

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Seismic Base Shear for a pergola

Simulate a pergola live in your browser. This runs the real Seismic Base Shear solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Seismic Base ShearLive

equivalent lateral force

Controls

Presets

Number of stories

Weight per floor (kN)

Design accel. SDS (g)

Response factor R

Importance factor I

The equivalent lateral force method estimates the total earthquake base shear as V = Cs·W, where the seismic coefficient Cs scales the design acceleration by the structure's ductility (R) and importance (I). The base shear is distributed up the building, concentrating force at the top. Educational tool, not a code design.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Seismic coeff. Cs0.150

Total weight W9,000 kN

Base shear V1350 kN

Roof force386 kN

Governing equation

V = C_{s} W = min (\frac{S _{D S} I}{R}, 0.15) W = 0.150 \times 9, 000 = 1350 kN

Reading this result: Cs would be 0.167 but is capped at 0.15, so base shear is code-floored here — cutting R further will not add demand.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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About this simulation

The full Seismic Base Shear tool models a pergola with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Seismic Base Shear

Seismic Base Shear for a cantilever balcony Seismic Base Shear for a bridge girder Seismic Base Shear for a floor joist Seismic Base Shear for a roof rafter Seismic Base Shear for a steel beam Seismic Base Shear for a timber deck Seismic Base Shear for a crane boom Seismic Base Shear for a retaining wall

Other ways to simulate a pergola

2D Fluid (CFD) for a pergola 3D CFD for a pergola 3D FEA Space Frame for a pergola FEA Truss for a pergola Meshing + BCs for a pergola RLC Circuit for a pergola

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a pergola?: Open this page and use the live Seismic Base Shear tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a pergola from your own measurements.