Optimum Design of Framed Structures

A general procedure for the optimum design of framed structures of a prescribed geometrical configuration is presented. Statically determinate and indeterminate structures subjected to multiple loading conditions can be designed to satisfy limitations on both stresses and displacements at all points in the system. Linear behavior constraints on stresses and displacements are developed by effecting local changes in the design parameters and determining the resulting stress and displacement redistributions. Solution of the resulting linear programming problem is carried out iteratively on a digital computer by solving the corresponding dual programming problem. Appropriate stress and displacement constraints for truss, continuous beam, and rigid frame structures are derived and presented.