In order to improve the teaching effect of dynamic structural behavior simulation in structural engineering teaching, this study develops a dynamic structural behavior simulation teaching model combined with the finite element method to explore the effect of its application in teaching. This paper first introduces the process of applying the finite element method to simulation teaching and the steps of structural engineering system development. After that, it introduces the common structural engineering analysis functions under ANSYS software and its application in various aspects of structural engineering teaching. Then the construction process of the dynamic structural behavior simulation teaching model is briefly described, and the finite element principle is combined with the actual engineering problems through the integration of case teaching to realize the deep integration of theory and practice. Finally, the teaching model of dynamic structural behavior simulation is constructed and the teaching evaluation system after applying the model. The results of teaching practice show that more than 95% of the students maintain a positive attitude towards the use of the model in this paper. Under the teaching mode of the simulation model visualizing dynamic behavioral characteristics, the average grade of students in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group by 14.96 points, and the difference between the grades of students in the two classes was significant (P=0.000). It can be seen that the use of the model can improve the students’ understanding of dynamic structural mechanical behavior and the application of finite element analysis tools, which provides an efficient platform for combining theory and practice for structural engineering teaching.