Automated design of rigid steel frames including member selection

Abstract

This paper outlines a new algorithm for the automated design of rigid plane steel frames having multiple loadings, displacement constraints, stress constraints and fixed geometry. The most significant contributions are, first, a method developed for incorporating into an optimization program the requirements of the specification CSA S16-1969 so that the program automatically uses realistic allowable stresses and, second, a procedure introduced for selecting actual sections that correspond to the theoretical solution. Elastic analysis is used and the optimum design is selected on the basis of minimum cost using the preliminary design factors recommended by the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. Several examples, including a 10-storey, 1-bay frame, are included to demonstrate the capabilities of the algorithm.