Optimal structural standardization

The problem of optimal structural design is formulated as an assortment problem taking into account manufacturing costs and economy of scale. Structural demand is modelled as a set of structural elements that is satisfied by a second set of elements constituting a structural supply. The objective of the resulting standardization problem is to find the optimal supply, that is, the most economical set of standard elements or sizes. A brief review of work done in this field accompanies a discussion of several approaches to the problem including: (1) optimization of a specified number of sizes selected from a given set of elements with fixed structural characteristics and unit costs, (2) optimal standardization of a set of elements with unit costs influenced by economy of scale, (3) optimization of the number of standard sizes, and (4) simultaneous optimal design and standardization of structural elements, including optimization of both the structural characteristics of the elements and the assortment of sizes. These approaches are illustrated by examples and their relationship to other approaches of optimal structural design are outlined.