An application of probabilistic methods for estimation of optimal factors of building structures found by empirical methods

In this article methods of probabilistic theory are applied for the estimation of optimal forms for reinforced-concrete shells of revolution found by empirical methods. The choice of the optimal form for a shell of revolution is made within the class of shells of the positive Gaussian curvature. The equation of a shell meridian is given in the form of a polynomial and is a function of many variables. The optimization is considered to be the condition of maximum ratio of the ultimate load to a material consumption index. The ultimate load is determined according to the theory of limit analysis.