Comparison of optimized steel frame structures

Abstract Frame structures are defined as structures built of straight, less often curved bars, which are dimensioned to carry a planar or spatial load. These frames are generally considered statically indeterminate structures so that several methods can be used to determine their loads, but all of them require some simplification. This paper is not concerned with investigating these theories for determining the stresses but with the optimum design of a frame structure for a given geometry. Several different loads have been considered, where the value of the wind load in the horizontal direction has been considered. The optimization problem is mathematically formulated so that both compressive forces and bending moments acting on the horizontal beam and the vertical column, and their composite loads, are below the limit set by the material properties. The column connections were assumed to be fully rigid, and welded I-section were considered for both columns. For local bending conditions, the Eurocode 3 specification was applied. Several steel grades were tested during the investigations, and fire loading was considered an additional load. In this case, a higher safety factor was assumed to make the times to collapse comparable.