A numerical method for lower bound limit analysis of 3-D structures with multi-loading systems

The determination of lower bound limit load of 3-D structures is by no means an easy task, especially for complex configurations and loading systems. In our previous work, a numerical method of upper bound limit analysis for 3-D structures with multi-loading systems was proposed. This method combines FEM and mathematical programming technique in an iterative procedure. In the present article, on the basis of the nature of the iterative procedure for upper bound limit analysis, the statically admissible stress fields, which satisfies the equilibrium equation and boundary conditions, are constructed using some intermediate variables obtained by upper bound limit analysis procedure. Moreover, a mathematical programming formulation is set up for the static limit analysis of 3-D structures under multi-loading systems and a direct iterative algorithm used to determine the lower bound limit load multiplier is proposed, which depends on the static theorem of plasticity. The numerical examples are given to demonstrate the applicability of the procedure. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.