Abstract
Structural design is the process of determining the configuration and member dimensions of a structure, subject to specified performance requirement. Traditional optimum design techniques require a reanalysis after each modification in the design variables. The techniques developed for modification of structural analysis have to be selected for each type of structure and modification. This thesis presents an attempt to develop a practical technique for structural optimization, with particular reference to flat grid structures. The material of the thesis is arranged in the following manner: The preliminary definitions and relations and a review of some relevant aspects of structural optimization are given in Chapter one. The results of the analysis of a large number of flat grids, in a form suitable for minimum weight design, are presented in Chapter two. In Chapter three, the concepts of norm and limit of vectors and matrices are employed to develop an original technique which can be used to estimate the change in the internal forces and displacements of any type of structure due to variations in some features of the structure. Chapter four contains some applications of the proposed technique for various structural systems and an algorithm which can be used for analysis of large structural systems. Chapter five contains the conclusions.