Load Path Network Method: An Equilibrium-Based Approach for the Design and Analysis of Structures

Load path network method is an equilibrium-based method for the design and analysis of three-dimensional structures based on the lower bound theorem of the theory of plasticity. The goal of this method is to stimulate the exploration of possible three-dimensional flows of internal forces in equilibrium in a structure in order to help the integration of structural concerns in the design process of a building project. For creating a three-dimensional load path, the method constructs a strut-and-tie model by means of a special kind of network which connects a given set of points in three-dimensional space. This network is statically determinate and non-kinematic. The construction process of such networks may be easily controlled in order to obtain suitable load paths. This paper presents the concept, the main steps of the method, intuitive strategies for controlling it in order to obtain suitable results and a discussion of its main applications.