Abstract
This study presents a sequential linear programming approach for the optimal design of skeletal structures satisfying simultaneously both elastic and plastic design criteria at the service and ultimate load levels, respectively. The paper also examines the effective range of the ultimate load constraint by determining the upper and lower bounds of the effective load factor. The design method develops a minimum weight design focused on the merit of plastic design by a linear programming. Three examples of truss and frame are designed to illustrate the features and scope of application of the approach.
