Limit Analysis and Design of Plates and Shells

Abstract

For the sake of self-consistency, we recall in the introduction the main aspects of limit analysis and of optimal design for assigned limit load, in which we formulate the optimality criterion used in the examples of the following sections. We then deal with two problems with axial symmetry, namely the circular plate and the circular cylinder, both with piecewise constant thickness. Limit loads and minimum-volume designs are obtained, either by a computer aided analytical approach or by mathematical programming. Minimum-volume of reinforcement of reinforced concrete cylinders under radial pressure is also considered. We finally quote briefly some other related problems, stress the complementarity of the approaches used, and recall the necessity of experimental assessment of the range of validity of the solutions.