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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Optimization of steel frames via penalty functions

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a computer program to minimize the weight of steel frames using a penalty function technique. The program is developed and several example problems are analyzed. All structures are designed in accordance with the AISC code. One of the problems is also analyzed by the Fully Stressed Design method, and the penalty function solution has less weight, but takes more computer time. The penalty function solution is checked by hand and found to be a reasonable design. In this investigation, the penalty function method is found to be simple to use, reliable, versatile, and fairly economical for small structures.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Civil Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Civil Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Year dc:date.issued
1978

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Cofer, William F.

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Handle dc:identifier.uri
http://hdl.handle.net/10919/74135
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/74135

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Cofer, William F.. Optimization of steel frames via penalty functions. masters thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1978. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/74135