ROBUST LIMIT LOADS OF SYMMETRIC AND NON-SYMMETRIC PLATE STRUCTURES

Robust methods for estimating limit loads of symmetric and non-symmetric plate structures are presented. The methods proposed in this paper for determining limit loads are (1) the r-node method and (2) the semi-circle construction technique. Analytical methods for estimating the limit loads of plate structures are feasible only for simple configurations. Also, determination of limit loads based on assumed collapse mechanisms may not always give upper bound estimates. Limit analysis using inelastic finite element analysis is often elaborate and time consuming. The methods described in this paper circumvent these difficulties. The methods are applied to several configurations of symmetric and non-symmetric plate structures and the limit load estimates are found to be satisfactory.