en Optimal design Optimal design پژوهشي Research <p>The first step in the design of plate girder is to estimate the self-weight of it. Although empirical formulae for the same are available, the level of their accuracy (underestimate or overestimate) with respect to actual self-weight is not known. In this paper, optimized sections are obtained for different spans subjected to different live load carrying capacities and self-weights are estimated. EXCEL solver, which adopts Reduced Gradient Method (RGM) was applied for optimization. The objective function was chosen as Cross-sectional area with twelve constraints based on LRFD (IS 800: 2007) design specification for safety and serviceability. Simply supported (laterally restrained) plastic symmetric cross section without stiffeners is adopted for study. A mathematical model was developed based on best-fit curves between self-weight, span and live load carrying capacity and their trend line equations are obtained. The study revealed that, the ratio of self-weight to load carrying capacity was parabolic for a given span. The results from this equation are compared with the conventional formula and the standard deviation of the proposed model with respect to actual self-weight is in the range of -0.03 to 2.29 while that from the conventional model is in the range of -0.04 to 9.18.</p> symmetrical, plate girder, optimization, simply supported, excel solver, self-weight, load carrying capacity, constraints, plastic section, laterally restrained. 241 255 http://ijoce.iust.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-66-138&slc_lang=en&sid=1 P. Markandeya Raju 180031947532846001104 180031947532846001104 Yes G. V. Rama Rao 180031947532846001105 180031947532846001105 No G. Himala Kumari 180031947532846001106 180031947532846001106 No E. Gowthami 180031947532846001107 180031947532846001107 No