Optimum weight reinforcement of concrete plates by simulated annealing

The article illustrates the procedure adopted and the results obtained in the search for minimum weight reinforcement of concrete plates. The strategy is applied to a realistic reinforced concrete plate problem. The advanced yield line method and the Principle of Virtual Work (PVW) are adopted to develop equations for estimating the collapse load of the plate considered. Results show that the simulated annealing (S.A.) algorithm can be successfully applied to determine the minimum weight reinforcement of concrete plates, thus overcoming difficulties associated with the practical determination of the plastic collapse mechanism.