S.T.A. DATA offers software and services for structural calculation. Practical, truly operational tools, created by a team of expert professionals, to solve every need.
The innovative FME (Frame by Macro Elements) calculation method is the winning weapon of 3Muri Project!
To develop it, we collaborated with the research team led by prof. Sergio Lagomarsino, professor of Construction Techniques at the University of Genoa together with other specialists (prof. Andrea Penna, University of Pavia, prof. Serena Cattari of the University of Genoa and engineer Alessandro Galasco of the Eucentre of Pavia )
The theoretical foundations of 3Muri Project derive from laboratory experiments and analyzes of real structures which, combined with a system for modeling and consulting the results, make 3Muri Project a software at the top of its category.
Authoritative confirmations have come to us from numerous national and international universities and research centers, which have chosen 3Muri Project to carry out specific tests. The result? Total efficiency and reliability, evident from the positive comparison between the seismic effects on real structures damaged by recent earthquakes (L’Aquila and Emilia) and the numerical results.
The numerous configurations in which 3Muri Project is proposed satisfy all the needs of designers, from the most complex structures to the simplest ones.
Analysis
The analysis of the structure in 3Muri is divided into two phases: in the first the equivalent frame model is automatically generated, in the second the non-linear static analysis (push-over) is performed from which the capacity curve of the structure is obtained ( stress curve – movement of the control node). The result of generating the equivalent frame model is the presentation of a mesh that schematizes the structure into piers, spandrel beams, beams, tie rods and pillars. These elements can still be modified manually to take into account particular situations. The non-linear analysis, however, is conducted by monotonically increasing the loads and obtaining the horizontal displacement of the structure. By exceeding a conventional displacement value, calculated automatically, the collapsed structure is considered and the Horizontal Force – Horizontal Displacement curve can be constructed, which represents the offered capacity curve, i.e. the behavior of the structure as the horizontal loads vary.
Graphic area dedicated to the analysis and presentation of results.
Automatic mesh
The 3muri software allows the automatic determination of the equivalent frame, once the geometry of the building has been defined, through an algorithm that recognizes the connections between the wall panels and divides them into rigid elements, piers, spandrel beams and creating the structure to be analyzed.
Thanks to an advanced mesher, designed specifically for masonry, even very complex situations can be examined, with results that are always engineering correct and reliable.
Below, an automatically schematized structure is presented with the equivalent frame, therefore with the automatic determination of piers, spandrel beams and rigid elements, where the openings, neighboring walls and external constraints are taken into account.
Non linear analysis – Pushover
Non-linear analysis – Pushover
3Muri allows interoperability with the BIM methodology through the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format, whose specifications are based on a neutral data format specifically designed to describe, exchange and share project information.
3Muri provides for the import of geometries from IFC models thanks to the BIM Inside application, included in the module. In this way the geometries of the objects can be used to build the model.
For each analysis, the push-over curve and the schematization of the equivalent system are presented. Depending on the chosen standard, the corresponding verification conditions are displayed.
It is possible to examine any parameter of the construction response, in order to adequately understand the structural behavior. This data is necessary to better plan any seismic adaptation or improvement interventions.
Representation of the stress and strain curve
The limit of the curve shown below indicates the displacement provided by the structure. The vertical red bar indicates the minimum movement required by current regulations.
If this value is lower than the right limit of the curve, the structure is verified. However, if the structure is not verified, it is possible to provide improvements through plating or injections, or by inserting new elements with different materials, for example reinforced concrete walls, beams, pillars, tie rods.
By operating in this way, it is no longer necessary to verify the individual elements, as their contribution is implicitly taken into account in the analysis phase of the entire structure.
The 3Muri model, through the study of the elastic-plastic behavior of the elements, allows the conditions of the individual elements and of the global structure to be assessed at any time. The verification is therefore obtained in terms of performance, i.e. the ability of the structure to undergo displacements greater than what is required by the standard.
Results
The data window presents the values of the displacement, stress and deformation characteristics of the nodes for the various walls that make up the structure for each substep of the analysis. In this window each value can be selected, and it is also possible to transmit the results to other programs (Word, Excel, etc.).
The deformations, both of the plan and of the walls, is also displayed; the different color highlights the progress of the damage in the various macroelements. By observing the color shades present in the map of the deformed wall, one can easily determine the damaged macroelements and the cause of the damage (shear, bending).
For all undamaged elements it is also possible to evaluate the tendency to damage, distinguishing whether they enter the plastic field due to shear or bending. This type of visualization does not only concern wall elements but also those in reinforced concrete, steel or wood.
This tool shows great potential for managing any adaptation interventions on existing structures, as it proves to be very effective for identifying the areas in which to intervene.
Single-wall analysis
Single-wall analysis
Nonlinear static analysis (pushover) is commonly known as global building analysis. All global analyzes require that the building has good “box-like” behavior.
Sometimes, design practice presents us with cases in which the limited rigidity of the floors on portions of the structure can significantly influence the overall behavior of the building.
Walls connected to the structural context through floors of limited rigidity may make it necessary to verify individual walls.
A new function allows to graphically select one or more walls for which the user wishes to carry out the verification. For each wall the program automatically generates 4 analyzes to take into account the 2 directions for 2 different load distributions.
Static analysis
3Muri Project carries out static verifications on the structure following the current NTC18 regulations.
The software, starting from the equivalent frame model, performs static verifications in the linear field accurately and reliably.
A single modeling and meshing process allows to obtain both seismic and static verifications, at vertical loads, prescribed by current legislation.
