Design of Steel Connections by Math Programming

Three popular types of steel beam-to-column connections are modeled as mathematical programming problems which are then solved to produce optimal connection designs for given loading conditions. These are: (1)A framed connection consisting of two angles either bolted or welded to the web of the beam and to the column; (2)a flange plate moment connection; and (3)an end plate moment connection. The set of design variables includes all those necessary to describe completely the design in all possible detail, such as the size of welds, size and number of bolts, and detailed descriptons of angles and plates. Design constraints are drawn directly, without change or simplification, from AISC specifications. The thrust of the paper is a demonstration of the techniques employed for building mathematical models for design. Three examples are included which were modeled as described and the models solved mathematically for the detailed designs.