Optimal collapse simulator for three-dimensional frames

Abstract

In this work a limit analysis for 3D structures software package is presented. The goal is to obtain for a certain structure the load factor λ that applied to the external loads induces collapse to the structure. The static theorem of limit analysis is the theoretical basis for the Structural Collapse Simulator (SCS), that is finding a stress distribution in equilibrium that does not violate yield criteria anywhere. The limit analysis is developed and written as a Linear Programming Problem, which consists of the maximization of the collapse load factor subject to equilibrium and yield criteria. The Structural Collapse Simulator has been applied to several types of structures to assess its capabilities on world applications.