Optimal shakedown design of metal structures under stiffness and stability constraints

Abstract

Optimal shakedown design of metal frame and truss-like structures is considered in this paper. Strength, stiffness and stability (only for trusses) constraints are included in non-linear mathematical models of volume minimization problems of structures. Stiffness conditions are realized by the restriction of structure deflections or nodal displacements, which can vary non-monotonically during the adaptation process. Determination of displacements is especially complicated if the variable repeated load is defined by variation bounds, which are not related to time. For trusses, stability constraints are related to recommendations of Eurocode 3 (EC3). Numerical examples concerning the calculation of frame and truss structures are presented. The results are valid for the small displacement assumptions.