TOPOLOGICAL OPTIMIZATION OF GRILLAGES - PAST CONTROVERSIES AND NEW DIRECTIONS

The aim of this paper is to derive optimal grillage layouts for combin ations of simply supported and free edges. It has been found, however, that the solution of these problems involves some fundamental aspects of the underlying theory, which result in a proposition termed the '' principle of small violations''. Using this principle, new classes of grillage topologies are outlined and some past controversies resolved in a manner that should satisfy all parties concerned.