Optimal shakedown design of frames under stability conditions according to standards

A shakedown-frame plastic moments minimization and load-optimization nonlinear mathematical model with strength, stiffness, and stability constraints is investigated. A methodology and algorithms for stability evaluation have been developed according to various standards (Eurocode 3 (EC3) and the Dutch NEN 6771) by integrating the MatrixFrame commercial software for the building industry and the nonlinear mathematical programming software developed by the authors. For other investigators, this work makes it possible to integrate the solutions of nonlinear programming problems (plastic state variables – residual forces and displacements) into their structural design software. Numerical examples of optimization of frame structures are presented.