Basic concept of structure modelling. Continual and discrete calculation models. Historical development and interpretation of the finite element method (FEM). Various forms of FEM. Matrix formulation of basic equations of the theory of elasticity. Variational formulation of FEM. General theory of FEM: element analysis, transformation of the element stiffness matrix, formation of the system stiffness matrix, boundary conditions, solution of system of equations, calculation result interpretation. Direct method. Residuum method. Finite elements and interpolation functions: line, triangular and rectangular elements. Numerical integration. Computer implementation of the FEM application in stress-strain analysis and calculations on real engineering structures.