Design-Oriented Analysis of Structures—Unified Approach

Abstract

Repeated analysis or reanalysis is needed in the various stages of any design process. Reanalysis methods are intended to analyze efficiently structures that are modified due to changes in the design. The reanalysis approach presented in this study is suitable for various stages of the design process, including the conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design stages. The accuracy of the results and the efficiency of the calculations can be controlled by the level of simplification and the amount of information considered. Different methods derived from the general approach may be used in the various design stages. The approach is suitable for various analysis models (linear, nonlinear, static, dynamic, etc.), different types of structures (trusses, frames, grillages, continuum structures), and all types of changes in the design (cross sectional, geometrical, topological, and material). The solution steps are straightforward, and the computational procedures presented can readily be integrated into finite element procedures.