Mathematical and computer modeling in the design of steel rod structures

The article considers the problem and search solution of an optimal variant of the design of steel structures based on the use of computer technology and mathematical modeling. As a method of search of the optimal solution, the method of parametrical optimization is used. The application of the method is illustrated on the example of a flat rod design - a truss construction. The variable parameters were selected to build a gruph for changing the target function. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that as a criterion of optimality, the cost of its production was adopted, at that time, how often is the weight of the structure taken. As a result of the conducted research it was found that the difference in production cost at application of different types of outlines of belts makes up to 20%. For criteria of an optimality metal consumption and production cost were received various versions of the optimal solution that tells about the important role of the chosen criterion and the need of the accounting of bigger quantity of elements to compose the optimality criterion. Efficiency and expediency of use of computer technologies to design steel structures is shown. That gives the engineer necessary information for adoption of reasonable design decisions on the basis of the analysis of alternative options.