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A developed mathematical model and calculation algorithm for steel frame cross-sectional optimisation taking into account inelastic strains and maintenance requirements are presented. An evaluation of dissipative features when employing inelastic steel strains results in a significant reduction of frame carrying capacity versus its elastic response. The maintenance requirements of structure involve not only strength but also the stiffness, stability and structural constraints. The latter ones define the minimum cross-sectional and slenderness values of members. The abovementioned factors restrict a free development of plastic strains, thus an optimal structure is in a state prior to plastic failure. The employed values of structural elastic response are functionally related to the optimised parameters, therefore the problem is solved iteratively. A strategy of choosing the limiting and that of starting parameters to handle iterative process ensures a successful problem convergence. A numerical experiment of 10-storey steel frame optimisation by standard profiles is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]