LIMIT ANALYSIS OF CONTINUOUS STRUCTURES USING MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING

An efficient approach to limit analysis is presented whereby a continuous perfectly plastic structure is replaced by a discrete mathematical model. It is formulated as a mathematical programming problem using the static theorem of plasticity. The discretization is accomplished by writing the governing equilibrium equations in finite difference form, and is combined with piecewise linearization of the nonlinear yield curve, thus converting the formulation into a linear programming exercise. Examples of reported cases involving plates and shells are solved to illustrate the ease of application of the present method, its flexibility and accuracy - features which it make attractive to practising engineers.