Stabil: An educational Matlab toolbox for static and dynamic structural analysis

Abstract

The capability to analyze structures under static and dynamic loads is an essential skill for structural engineers. Structural analysis therefore is a key component in civil and architectural engineering education, where analytical methods are traditionally complemented by the use of (commercial) software packages. The latter are often closed source, which may obscure the links to the underlying matrix structural analysis or finite element formulation. To stimulate active, cooperative, and solution‐oriented learning, we developed Stabil, an electronic learning environment implemented as a Matlab toolbox. Stabil has an open structure to elucidate the links between theory and implementation and is presently used throughout the curricula of Civil and Architectural Engineering at KU Leuven. This paper explains the main principles of Stabil and discusses teaching experiences over the past 15 years. Stabil can be downloaded from http://bwk.kuleuven.be/bwm/stabil.

Validation of vibration-based structural health monitoring on retrofitted railway bridge KW51

“…A detailed finite element (FE) model of the railway bridge has been developed using the open source MATLAB toolbox Stabil, developed at the Structural Mechanics Section of KU Leuven [26,27]. The model is based on blueprints of the structure.…”

Anomaly detection in long-term tunnel deformation monitoring

“…The two-dimensional thermo-mechanical model is developed using the open source MATLAB toolbox Stabil, developed at the Structural Mechanics Section of KU Leuven [24,25]. The model is outlined in figure 8, where the soil domain consists of a layer of Antwerpian sand of 10 m from -9 mTAW to -19 mTAW, on top of a layer of Boom clay up to a depth of -60 mTAW.…”

Design optimization of hybrid steel/timber structures for minimal environmental impact and financial cost: A case study

“…The structures are modelled using the nite element method by means of the Matlab toolbox Stabil [20] as presented in Figure 1 and 2, using bar and Euler beam elements. As case study 1 considers a statically determinate truss, a single nite element analysis at the start of the optimization loop suces.…”