Analysis of no-tension structures under monotonic loading through an energy-based method

An approach is proposed to estimate the collapse load of linear elastic isotropic no-tension 2D solids. The material is replaced by a suitable equivalent orthotropic material with spatially varying local properties. A non-incremental energy-based algorithm is implemented to define the distribution and the orientation of the equivalent material, minimizing the potential energy so as to achieve a compression-only state of stress. The algorithm is embedded within a numerical procedure that evaluates the collapse mechanisms of structural elements under monotonic loading. The accuracy of the method is assessed through comparisons with the “exact” results predicted by limit analysis.