Optimal design of tie-beams (Q1082154)

The paper concerns the determination of the optimal cross-sectional area distribution of a simply supported tie-beam that minimizes the maximum deflection, subject to: (a) a volume constraint, and (b) the longitudinal elongation of the tie-beam not exceeding a given value. The transverse load distribution considered is symmetrical about the mid-span of the tie-beam. The solution to the problem is obtained directly by two independent approaches. [See also the first author's article in Engng. Optimization 6, 157-160 (1983).]