• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.495-511
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• 2013

In this paper, a new efficient optimization algorithm called Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) is used for the least weight design of trusses with continuous design variables. The TLBO algorithm is based on the effect of the influence of a teacher on the output of learners in a class. Several truss structures are analyzed to show the efficiency of the TLBO algorithm and the results are compared with those reported in the literature. It is concluded that the TLBO algorithm presented in this study can be effectively used in the weight minimization of truss structures.

• International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.15-21
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• 2002

A control-structure combined optimal design problem is discussed taking a 3-D truss structure as a design object. We use descriptor forms for a controlled object and a generalized plant because the structural parameters appear naturally in these farms. We consider not only minimum weight design problem for structure system, but also suppression problem of the effect of disturbances for control system as the purpose of the design. A numerical example shows the validity of combined optimal design of structure and control systems. We also consider the validity of sensor-actuator collocation for control system design in this paper.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 1993.10a
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• pp.81-90
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• 1993

The optimum design of a structure requires the determination of the economical member size and shape of the structure which satisfies the design condition and function. In this study, the process of design automatization of three-dimensional truss structure introduces the optimization technique tests its application in the design automatization, proposes its application method and applies the example structure of the parabolic antenna truss. Using the Formex Algebra of configuration function, the structure's mesh-generation is automatized. By using the program developed in this study, the input member array, member size and load condition designer can generate the input data file for the structure analysis and optimum design. This study is aimed at the development of a design automatization system that search for tile optimum value of a structure design by observing the structure's sensitivity from the modification of member array and member property.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.165-180
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• 1999

The cost effectiveness of using steel roof systems for residential buildings is becoming increasingly apparent with the decrease in manufacturing cost of steel components, reliability and efficiency in construction practices, and the economic and environmental concerns. While steel has been one of the primary materials for structural systems, it is only recently that its use for residential buildings is being explored. A comprehensive system for the design of residential steel roof truss systems is presented. In the first stage of the research the design curves obtained from the AISI-LRFD code for the manufactured cross-sections were verified experimentally. Components of the truss systems were tested in order to determine their member properties when subjected to axial force and bending moments. In addition, the experiments were simulated using finite element analysis to provide an additional source of verification. The second stage of the research involved the development of an integrated design approach that would automatically design a lowest cost roof truss given minimal input. A modified genetic algorithm was used to handle sizing, shape and topology variables in the design problem. The developed methodology was implemented in a software system for the purpose of designing the lowest cost truss that would meet the AISI code provisions and construction requirements given the input parameters. The third stage of the research involved full-scale testing of a typical residential steel roof designed using the developed software system. The full scale testing established the factor of safety while validating the analysis and design procedures. Evaluation of the test results indicates that designs using the present approach provide a structure with enough reserve strength to perform as predicted and are very economical.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.263-275
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• 2015

This study presents conceptual information of newly optimized shapes and connectivity of the so-called outrigger truss system for modern tall buildings that resists lateral loads induced by wind and earthquake forces. In practice, the outrigger truss consists of triangular or Vierendeel types to stiffen tall buildings, and the decision of outrigger design has been qualitatively achieved by only engineers' experience and intuition, including information of structural behaviors, although outrigger shapes and the member's connectivity absolutely affect building stiffness, the input of material, construction ability and so on. Therefore the design of outrigger trusses needs to be measured and determined according to scientific proofs like reliable optimal design tools. In this study, at first the shape and connectivity of an outrigger truss system are visually evaluated by using a conceptual design tool of the classical topology optimization method, and then are quantitatively investigated with respect to a structural safety as stiffness, an economical aspect as material quantity, and construction characteristics as the number of member connection. Numerical applications are studied to verify the effectiveness of the proposed design process to generate a new shape and connectivity of the outrigger for both static and dynamic responses.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.4
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• pp.461-472
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• 2023

This paper proposes a novel method for increasing the distortional frame rigidity of off-rail box girder bridges for cranes by reinforcing the diaphragm with staggered truss. The study starts by using the Matrix Displacement Method to determine the shear angle of the staggered truss diaphragm under two assumptions: hinge joint and rigid joint. To obtain closed-form solutions for the transversal and longitudinal deformations and warping stress of the crane girder, the study employs the Initial Parameter Method and considers the compatibility of shear deformation at joints between the diaphragms and the girder. The theoretical solutions are validated through finite element analysis, which also confirms that the hinge-joint assumption accurately represents the shear angle of the staggered truss diaphragm in girder distortion. Additionally, the study conducts extensive parameter analyses to examine the impact of staggered truss dimensions on distortional stress and deformation. Furthermore, the study compares the distortional warping stresses of crane girders reinforced with staggered truss diaphragms and those reinforced with perforated ones, emphasizing the importance of incorporating stagger truss in diaphragms. Overall, this paper provides a thorough evaluation of the proposed approach's effectiveness in enhancing the distortional frame rigidity of off-rail box girder bridges for cranes. The findings offer valuable insights into the design and reinforcement of diaphragms using staggered truss to enhance the structural performance of crane girders.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.233-241
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• 2018

In this paper, the Colliding Bodies Optimization (CBO), Enhanced Colliding Bodies Optimization (ECBO) and Vibrating Particles System (VPS) algorithms and the force method are used for the simultaneous analysis and design of truss structures. The presented technique is applied to the design and analysis of some planer and spatial trusses. An efficient method is introduced using the CBO, ECBO and VPS to design trusses having members of prescribed stress ratios. Finally, the minimum weight design of truss structures is formulated using the CBO, ECBO and VPS algorithms and applied to some benchmark problems from literature. These problems have been designed by using displacement method as analyzer, and here these are solved for the first time using the force method. The accuracy and efficiency of the presented method is examined by comparing the resulting design parameters and structural weight with those of other existing methods.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.10 no.3 s.36
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• pp.487-495
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• 1998

Recently, the space truss has been attracted by many designers because of their ability to support significant loads with a minimum material. And it is relatively flexible to design the configuration of structures. This paper presents a volume optimization for the space truss on the basis of result evaluated from nonlinear analysis. The optimization of the truss is done by nonlinear optimum GINO(General Interactive Nonlinear Optimizer) program. The objective function considered is the volume of the steel bars. The constraints for optimum design are the design limits, such as the axial force strength, maximum slenderness, minimum thickness, allowable deflection and ratio of the external diameter to thickness of the circular tube bars.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.247-261
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• 2003

The technique of posttensioning has been used successfully to improve the performance of existing concrete structures. However, very few applications of this technique can be found in steel structures. Posttensioning by means of high strength cable or bar can be used to effectively increase the working load capacity of Truss Bridges. The benefits of posttensioning trusses can be achieved in strengthening of existing structures as well as in the design of new structures. In this paper, the elastic behavior of posttensioned trusses with straight and draped tendon profiles is examined. For the analysis of posttensioned trusses in the elastic range of behavior, two methods are presented, namely, the flexibility method and the mixed-method, i.e., a combination of the stiffness and flexibility methods. Using the presented methods, the effects of design variables such as the tendon profile, truss type, prestress force, and tendon eccentricity on the working load and deflection of trusses are studied. The results show that the allowable load of truss increases proportionally with increase in prestress force and eccentricity. Posttesioning enlarges the elastic range, increases redundancy, and reduces deflection and member stresses. Thus, the remaining life of a truss bridge can be increased relatively inexpensively.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.89-98
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• 2012

This study investigates the optimum structural design of space truss considering global buckling, and is to obtain the minimal weight of the structure. The mathematical programming method is used for optimization of each member by member force. Besides, dynamic programming method is adapted for consideration in snap-through buckling. The mathematical modeling for optimum design of truss members consists of objective function of total weight and constrain equations of allowable tensile (or compressive) stress and slenderness. The tangential stiffness matrix is examined to find the critical point on equilibrium path, and a ratio of the buckling load to design load is reflected in iteration procedures of dynamic programming method to adjust the stiffness of space truss. The star dome is examined to verify the proposed optimum design processor. The numerical results of the model are conversed well and satisfied all constrains. This processor is a relatively simple method to carry out optimum design with consideration in global buckling, and is viable in practice with respect to structural design.