ArchNURBS Files

----------------------------- DESCRIPTION ----------------------------- 

ArchNURBS is an open source MATLAB software dedicated to the analysis 
of masonry arches. 

The main features of the present software include:
 - NURBS representation of the the arch geometry;
 - it is possible to import CAD geometries ('.dxf' format);
 - isogeometric finite element analysis;
 - collapse limit analysis;
 - presence of FRP (fiber-reinforced polymers) extrados and intrados 
	strips; 
 - modeling of masonry crushing.

ArchNURBS is a resource to practitioners, students and researchers 
involved in the study of curve structures and historical masonry arches.


ArchNURBS is free and open, please cite our work:
- A. Chiozzi, M. Malagu', A. Tralli, A. Cazzani, "ArchNURBS: NURBS-Based 
Tool for the Structural Safety Assessment of Masonry Arches in MATLAB", 
Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering (2015), 
DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000481 


------------------------------- HOW TO ------------------------------- 

Executing ArchNURBS is very easy!

STEP 1: Unzip the ArchNURBS.zip package 

STEP 2: Open MATLAB (>=R2013a) at the folder where 'ArchNURBS.m' is 
	located

STEP 3: Run 'ArchNURBS.m' and wait the GUI to pop up in your monitor

STEP 4: You are ready to use ArchNURBS!


To use ArchNURBS

1) specify the GEOMETRY of the arch to be studied. You can either choose 
   between the predefined geometries or upload a CAD geometry ('.dxf' 
   files are required)

2) apply CONSTRAINTS at the beginning ('0') and at the end ('L') of 
   the arch for the elastic analysis

3) set the LOADS to be applied to the structure

4) specify cross SECTION geometry, MATERIAL PROPERTIES and the DESIGN 
   of FRP (if required)

5) set MESH, so the number of elements Nel (for the elastic analysis) 
   and the number of bricks Nbr (for the limit analysis)

6) press PLOT GEOMETRY to visualize the structure you want to study 

7) you can start the ELASTIC ANALYSIS and/or the LIMIT ANALYSIS of the 
   structure you have just defined

8) if you are satisfied by the output you can SAVE THE RESULTS 


------------------------------- AUTHORS ------------------------------ 

ArchNURBS has been written by 

- Marcello Malagu' (mlgmcl@unife.it - University of Ferrara) and  
- Andrea Chiozzi (chzndr@unife.it - University of Ferrara)

under the supervision of Prof. A. M. Tralli (University of Ferrara) 
and Prof. A. M. Cazzani (University of Cagliari). 


-------------------------------- BUGS -------------------------------- 

Unfortunately, ArchNURBS has (and will have) bugs. So, if you think 
you have found one, please let us know. You can write an e-mail to
either

* Marcello Malagu'	->	mlgmcl@unife.it		or 
* Andrea Chiozzi	->	chzndr@unife.it

with detailed, step-by-step instructions, so we can reproduce the bug. 


--------------------------- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --------------------------- 

The financial support of RAS, the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, under 
grant number F71J09999350002-CRP1 475 (Legge Regionale 7/2007, bando 
2008, Progetto MISC: Metodi Isogeometrici per Strutture Curve) is 
gratefully acknowledged by the second and by Prof. A. M. Cazzani. 
The researchers of the University of Ferrara gratefully acknowledge the 
financial support of ReLUIS3 program WP2 (Analysis of the seismic response 
of masonry structures) and task 2.2 (Horizontal structures, vaults, floors, 
roofs and their interaction with masonry structures).