OPTIMIZATION OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE GIRDERS

This paper presents an application of generalized geometric programming to the optimal design of a prestressed concrete box bridge girder. The actual cost of construction consisting of prestressing. formwork and concrete is minimized. Constraints are formulated as stipulated by the British Code of Practice CP110. The constraints of the geometric program relate to bending and shear stresses, and geometric criteria. A sample design is presented and sensitivity studies are performed to test the influence of major design parameters on cost factors.