Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Information Provided by Different Structural Load Path Definitions

The structural mechanics community has developed several methods to identify and visualize load paths in structures. There is no single accepted approach or method to characterize, quantify, visualize and tailor load paths. This paper compares various methods proposed to characterize and visualize load paths. The comparison is performed for a two-dimensional (2-D) rectangular plate under plane stress conditions arising from different loading and boundary conditions. The effectiveness of each method is compared. The comparisons shows the methods provide different results and insights into the load transfer mechanisms. No single method appears to emerge as a clear choice for characterizing load paths. However, some methods provide more qualitative and quantitative information on the trajectory and efficiency of load transferred along load paths.