Alternative methods for the optimal design of slender steel frameworks

Abstract A mathematical programming (MP) method and an optimality criteria (OC) method are alternatively applied for the design of tall slender steel frameworks. For both cases, the design objective is to minimize the weight of the lateral load-resisting structural system of given topology subject to constraints on interstorey drift. The MP and OC solution algorithms are first described, and then both methods are applied for the minimum-weight design of a range of steel frameworks having differing numbers of storeys.