On the prediction of structural layout for maximum stiffness

A variational formulation is presented for the problem of predicting the optimal structural system from among a discrete set of possible designs. The development is written for maximum stiffness design of single-purpose structures. The distribution among admissible structural configurations of the prescribed loads is determined as part of the solution. An extremum problem interpretation also provides the basis for evaluating relative efficiencies among locally optimal structural systems.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45197/1/10957_2004_Article_BF00933027.pd