A method for the automatic dimensioning of reinforced concrete structures is presented. It is based on a finite element package for linear and nonlinear analysis and the actual European design codes. General discretized structures can be optimized by coupling the finite element package with an effective optimization method based on the sequential quadratic programming technique. The amount of reinforcement is determined for each finite element from the equilibrium between the action forces and the resistant action forces. The dimensioning methods for different element types, in particular for beam-, high beam-, plate- and shell elements, are discussed. With the aim of minimal cost design an optimization concept method using an efficient gradient algorithm is developed. The optimization is divided into a superior optimization problem on structural level and an optimum design on cross-sectional level. The optimization problems are formulated on a global (structural) and a local (cross-sectional) level. A parallelization concept for solving the two stage optimization problem in minimal time is presented. Examples are included to illustrate the practical use and the efficiency of the parallelization in the area of engineering design.

purchase the full-text of this paper (price £20)

go to the previous paper
go to the next paper
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £95 +P&P)