OPTIMAL SYNTHESIS OF STEEL FRAMEWORKS USING STANDARD SECTIONS

This paper presents a computer-based method for optimally sizing members of planar steel frameworks using commercially available standard sections. For first-order behavior and static loads, a minimum-weight structure is found while simultaneously ensuring stress and displacement performance conditions under applied service loads. Architectural conditions are imposed on section sizes to satisfy fabrication requirements related to member continuity and structure symmetry. The design method presented is iterative in nature and remarkably efficient. The number of iterations is generally quite small and almost totally independent of the complexity of the structure. Designs are presented for two steel frameworks that are typical of those encountered in professional practice.