Title: A Criterion for Optimal Design of Plates

Author(s): John F. Brotchie

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 66

Issue: 11

Appears on pages(s): 898-906

Keywords: concrete slabs; flat concrete plates;optimization; plates (structural members) ; prestressed concrete; reinforced concrete; strain energy methods; structural design; theories.

DOI: 10.14359/7438

Date: 11/1/1969

Abstract:
The criterion of a stationary value in potential energy is used as an objective in structural design. Other criteria for technically optimal design including maximum stiffness, maximum or minimum strain energy, minimum weight, uniform strength and uniform dissipation of energy are found to be implicitly satisfied by this. Its application to reinforced and prestressed concrete plates under a single loading in the plastic and the elastic plastic range is considered in particular. Reinforcement patterns meeting or nearly meeting this criterion are presented- for simply supported uniform thickness plates, and for flat plate structures, and serve as initial models for design. Its general application to structural design is also discussed.