a mathematical optimization procedure and its application to the design of bridge structures

the use of various systematic procedures for the optimum design of structures is reviewed, and the characteristics of bridge design optimization problems described. a mathematical optimization procedure based on transforming the structural optimization problem to a sequence of linear programming problems has been developed as a set of computer subroutines. provided that a meaningful function to be optimized is available, the subroutines can be readily applied to structural optimization problems concerned with determining the optimum sizing of the elements of a structure. design variables may be restricted to discrete values. the use of the subroutines is demonstrated for the minimum cost and minimum weight design of two types of welded plate girders. (a).