Optimal modelling of prestressed girders using the gradient-iterative method

The paper describes the gradient-iterative optimization method, outlines the method’s basic assumptions and illustrates its general use. The method’s implementation was illustrated with the help of a prestressed beam. Calculations were made to illustrate a girder prestress and height optimization. The method makes it possible to quickly obtain optimal results using universally available programming. In addition, the method makes it possible to find optimal solutions without the use of complicated mathematical formulas. The article solved the problem of a statically indeterminate prestressed beam with three decision variables, thus proving that the gradient-iterative method is both an efficient and quick optimization method. To illustrate the effectiveness of the optimization method calculations were performed for double- and three-span beam