Minimum‐weight design of trusses by an optimality criteria method

This work presents an optimality criteria method which accurately and efficiently solves the structural optimization problem of trusses subject to deflection and stress constraints. The method is based upon the Newton–Raphson method and a first‐order approximation both for deflection and stress constraints using the method of virtual work. It solves the problem rigorously and no serious difficulties have yet been encountered in spite of the drawbacks inherent in the Newton–Raphson method. Worked examples show its superiority to other methods and its ability to cope with trusses with many members and subject to multiple constraints.