Interactive limit analysis of drawn masonry arches subjected to horizontal accelerations

Efficiency in the assessment and analysis of structural systems is of critical economic importance. For masonry arches, the efficiency of the analysis is coupled with a sensitivity between capacity and geometry. To overcome this coupling, this work presents a data extraction technique and limit analysis tool that provides an interactive analysis for arches drawn in AutoCAD®. The geometric data is extracted through a developed AutoLISP® script which is then read by a simple app created in MATLAB®. The app allows the hinge locations to be adjusted and calculates the collapse condition and thrust line for any hinge set that forms a kinematically admissible mechanisms.