Identification of yield limits as a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints

This paper deals with a special class of identification problems in structural engineering formulated as a Mathematical Program with Equilibrium Constraints or MPEC. More precisely, the equilibrium system is characterized, in our particular case, by linear complementarity conditions. We first consider the analysis problem, cast as a holonomic (path-independent) elastoplastic problem, before dealing with the identification or inverse problem. We then briefly introduce the topical and fertile area of MPECs before concentrating on a recent and promising algorithm for the solution of our identification problem. Its application is then illustrated by means of a numerical example.