• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.733-754
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• 2016

Structural optimization involves a large number of structural analyses. When optimizing large structures, these analyses require a considerable amount of computational time and effort. However, there are specific types of structure for which the results of the analysis can be achieved in a much simpler and quicker way thanks to their special repetitive patterns. In this paper, frequency constraint optimization of cyclically repeated space trusses is considered. An efficient technique is used to decompose the large initial eigenproblem into several smaller ones and thus to decrease the required computational time significantly. Some examples are presented in order to illustrate the efficiency of the presented method.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2005.04a
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• pp.359-366
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• 2005

Most engineering optimization are based on numerical linear and nonlinear programming methods that require substantial gradient information and usually seek to improve the solution in the neighborhood of a starting point. These algorithm, however, reveal a limited approach to complicated real-world optimization problems. If there is more than one local optimum in the problem, the result may depend on the selection of an initial point, and the obtained optimal solution may not necessarily be the global optimum. This paper describes a new harmony search(HS) meta-heuristic algorithm-based approach for structural size optimization problems with continuous design variables. This recently developed HS algorithm is conceptualized using the musical process of searching for a perfect state of harmony. It uses a stochastic random search instead of a gradient search so that derivative information is unnecessary. Two classical space truss optimization problems are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the HS algorithm. The results indicate that the proposed approach is a powerful search and optimization technique that may yield better solutions to structural engineering problems than those obtained using current algorithms.

• Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.226-249
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• 2016

The symbiotic organisms search (SOS) algorithm is an effective metaheuristic developed in 2014, which mimics the symbiotic relationship among the living beings, such as mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism, to survive in the ecosystem. In this study, three modified versions of the SOS algorithm are proposed by introducing adaptive benefit factors in the basic SOS algorithm to improve its efficiency. The basic SOS algorithm only considers benefit factors, whereas the proposed variants of the SOS algorithm, consider effective combinations of adaptive benefit factors and benefit factors to study their competence to lay down a good balance between exploration and exploitation of the search space. The proposed algorithms are tested to suit its applications to the engineering structures subjected to dynamic excitation, which may lead to undesirable vibrations. Structure optimization problems become more challenging if the shape and size variables are taken into account along with the frequency. To check the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, six different planar and space trusses are subjected to experimental analysis. The results obtained using the proposed methods are compared with those obtained using other optimization methods well established in the literature. The results reveal that the adaptive SOS algorithm is more reliable and efficient than the basic SOS algorithm and other state-of-the-art algorithms.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.379-403
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• 2012

In recent years, the need for optimal design of structures under time-history loading aroused great attention in researchers. The main problem in this field is the extremely high computational demand of time-history analyses, which may convert the solution algorithm to an illogical one. In this paper, a new framework is developed to solve the size optimization problem of steel truss structures subjected to ground motions. In order to solve this problem, the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy algorithm is employed for the optimization procedure, while a generalized regression neural network is utilized as a meta-model for fitness approximation. Moreover, the computational cost of time-history analysis is decreased through a wavelet analysis. Capability and efficiency of the proposed framework is investigated via two design examples, comprising of a tower truss and a footbridge truss.

• Advances in Computational Design
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.313-331
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• 2017

In this study, teaching-learning based optimization (TLBO) is improved by incorporating model of multiple teachers, adaptive teaching factor, self-motivated learning, and learning through tutorial. Modified TLBO (MTLBO) is applied for simultaneous topology, shape, and size optimization of space and planar trusses to study its effectiveness. All the benchmark problems are subjected to stress, displacement, and kinematic stability constraints while design variables are discrete and continuous. Analyses of unacceptable and singular topologies are prohibited by seeing element connectivity through Grubler's criterion and the positive definiteness. Performance of MTLBO is compared to TLBO and state-of-the-art algorithms available in literature, such as a genetic algorithm (GA), improved GA, force method and GA, ant colony optimization, adaptive multi-population differential evolution, a firefly algorithm, group search optimization (GSO), improved GSO, and intelligent garbage can decision-making model evolution algorithm. It is observed that MTLBO has performed better or found nearly the same optimum solutions.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.2 s.130
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• pp.8-16
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• 2005

In an effort to encourage the development of value added engineered applications for small diameter round timber, research is being conducted to develop and verify design guidelines for connections with specific application to round timbers. The objective of this research is to provide potential users with a number of viable connection options applicable in the fabrication of engineered, round wood structural components and systems. Target uses include trusses, built up flange beams and space frames. This paper presents information on a mortised steel plate connection fabricated using powder driven nails in 6 cm diameter Japanese Larch. The design load for PDN connections are around 1.3 kN per nail with strip and 0.8 kN per nail without stripe. The design model for PDN connectors could be chosen by the number of nails. If the number of nails are more than the critical number between nail bearing and wood failure, the wood failure model could be the way to design the structure safely. The wood failure model needs to be studied more but the model could be the tensile and cleavage mixed failure model.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.10 no.1 s.34
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• pp.63-72
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• 1998

The stiffness design method is presented as a drift control model of steel structures and applied to design of space trusses subjected to stress and displacement constraints. The stiffness design method is developed by integrating the resizing techniques for an effective drift control algorithm with the strength design process according to the commonly used design specifications such as allowable stress design. In the resizing technique the amount of material to be modified depends on the member displacement participation factors and is determined by an optimization technique. Using the stiffness design method, a structural design model for steel structures is proposed and applied to two verifying examples. As demonstrated in the examples, the displacement of the structures can be effectively controlled without expensive computational cost.

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.233-241
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• 2016

This paper describes the structural solution for the design of a 29-story high-rise tower, which features a large office space above the Kabukiza Theatre. Kabuki is a type of Japanese traditional drama, and Kabukiza is the home building of Kabuki. GINZA KABUKIZA is the fifth generation of the Kabukiza Theatre, the first of which was built in 1889. In order to support 23 stories of office space above the theater - featuring a large void in plan - two 13-meter-deep mega-trusses, spanning 38.4 meters, are installed at the fifth floor of the building. Steelwork is used as a primary material for the structure above-ground, and a hybrid response control system using a buckling-restrained brace and oil damper is adopted in order to achieve a high seismic performance. This paper also describes the erection process of installing hydraulic jacks directly above the mega-truss at column bases, in order to keep the structure above the truss level during construction. The temple architecture of the previous Kabukiza is carefully restored by incorporating contemporary light-weight materials supported by steelwork.

• International journal of steel structures
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1525-1540
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• 2018

A test rig with multi-functional purposes was specifically designed and manufactured to study the behavior of multi-planar welded tubular joints subjected to multi-planar concurrent axial loading. An experimental investigation was conducted on full-scale welded tubular joints with each consisting of one chord and eight braces under monotonic loading conditions. Two pairs or four representative specimens (two specimens for each joint type) were tested, in which each pair was reinforced with two kinds of different internal stiffeners at the intersections between the chords using welded rectangular hollow steel sections (RHSSs) and the braces using rolled circular hollow steel sections (CHSSs) and welded RHSSs. The effects of different internal stiffeners at the chord-brace intersection on the load capacity of joints under concurrent multi-planar axial compression/tension are discussed. The test results of joint strengths, failure modes, and load-stress curves are presented. Finite element analyses were performed to verify the experimental results. The study results show that the two different joint types with the internal stiffeners at the chord-brace intersection under axial compression/tension significantly increase the corresponding ultimate strength to far exceed the usual design strength. The load carrying capacity of welded tubular joints decreases with a higher degree of the manufacturing imperfection in individual braces at the tubular joints. Furthermore, the interaction effect of the concurrent axial loading applied at the welded tubular joint on member stress is apparent.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.4 no.2 s.12
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• pp.89-97
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• 2004

The objective of this study is the development of a scheme and discrete optimum design algorithm, which is based on the genetic algorithm. The algorithm can perform both scheme and size optimum designs of plane trusses. The developed Scheme genetic algorithm was implemented in a computer program. For the optimum design, the objective function is the weight of structures and the constraints are limits on loads and serviceability. The basic search method for the optimum design is the genetic algorithm. The algorithm is known to be very efficient for the discrete optimization. However, its application to the complicated structures has been limited because of the extreme time need for a number of structural analyses. This study solves the problem by introducing the size & scheme genetic algorithm operators into the genetic algorithm. The genetic process virtually takes no time. However, the evolutionary process requires a tremendous amount of time for a number of structural analyses. Therefore, the application of the genetic algorithm to the complicated structures is extremely difficult, if not impossible. The scheme genetic algorithm operators was introduced to overcome the problem and to complement the evolutionary process. It is very efficient in the approximate analyses and scheme and size optimization of plane trusses structures and considerably reduces structural analysis time. Scheme and size discrete optimum combined into the genetic algorithm is what makes the practical discrete optimum design of plane fusses structures possible. The efficiency and validity of the developed discrete optimum design algorithm was verified by applying the algorithm to various optimum design examples: plane pratt, howe and warren truss.