Structural optimization by chance constrained programming techniques

The minimum cost design of structures with probabilistic objective and constraints is considered. The techniques of chance constrained programming are applied to solve the resulting stochastic optimization problem. The optimum design of a cable stayed box girder is considered as an example problem. The optimum results obtained from the probabilistic formulation are compared with those given by the deterministic formulation. Finally a parametric study is made to find the effects of the coefficients of variation of various strength parameters and the probability level at which the constraints are satisfied on the optimum design.