Optimal plastic analysis and design of frames: graph theoretical methods

In this paper, efficient graph theoretical methods are presented for optima l plastic analysis and design of frames using the force method. A linear pr ogramming formulation is made, employing subminimal cycle bases of the grap h models leading to sparse self-stress matrices. These matrices are employe d for the formation of constraints. The computational results for some exam ples are included to illustrate the capability and efficiency of the develo ped methods. (C) 1999 Civil-Comp Ltd and Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.