Title: Optimization of Reinforcement in Shells, Folded Plates, Walls, and Slabs

Author(s): Troels Brandurn-Nielsen

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 82

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 304-309

Keywords: bending moments; computer programs; concrete slabs; costs; folded plates; microcomputers; optimization; reinforcing steels; shear stress; shells(structural forms); structural analysis; torsion; walls.

DOI: 10.14359/10336

Date: 5/1/1985

Abstract:
Modern computer facilities have made computer-aided design a useful tool for minimizing the cost of reinforced concrete structures (see References 2-4). In this paper a method is presented for ultimate limit state optimization of the reinforcement required to resist given stress resultants in reinforced concrete shells with developable middle surfaces, including folded plates, walls, and slabs. The stress resultants include normal and shear forces and bending and twisting moments. A method of minimizing the total amount of reinforcement is presented first and is subsequently expanded to solve the problem of minimizing the cost of the reinforcement. The method is suitable for programmable handheld calculators.