integrated user-friendly environment for a 2-d nonlinear analysis program

nonlinear analyses allow simulating, in a more realistic way, the behaviour of structuressubjected to several types of complex loading conditions such as earthquakes. however, it isrecognized that these analyses normally generate a considerable amount of results, a factorthat difficult its interpretation. over the last years, considerable progresses have been made instructural nonlinear behaviour modelling, associated to the fast growing development ofnumerical algorithms and computer capacities. therefore, a number of computationalanalysis tools have been developed to meet the analysis requirements from the behaviourviewpoint. however, a similar growth in the development of graphical results visualizationtools has not been witnessed and the generalized use of such analysis programs is thus madedifficult. to face this, a graphical processor called visualanl was developed for anexisting nonlinear analysis program for plane frame structures. to observe the potentialitiesof such tool, an application example is presented illustrating both previously referred stages.