No label defined (Q4034100)

The force method of structural analysis requires the formation of a maximal set of independent self-equilibrating stress systems (S.E.Ss), known as a statical basis. Such a basis can be formed on the elements of a cycle bases of the graph model \(S\) of a structure. Methods have already been developed by the author for generating subminimal and suboptimal cycle bases leading to highly sparse flexibility matrices. Selected cycles have been ordered to reduce the bandwidth of the corresponding matrices, see the author [Comput. Struct. 24, 413-420 (1986; Zbl 0601.73095) and Z. Angew. Math. Mech. 71, T212--T214 (1991)]. These have been achieved by employing purely topological properties. In this paper, the relative stiffnesses of the structural members, obtained from the properties of their stiffness matrices, are associated with the corresponding edges of \(S\), forming a network. Two methods are then presented for selecting optimally conditioned cycle bases, leading to well-conditioned flexibility matrices.