• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.501-519
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• 2012

Truss weight is one of the most important factors in the cost of construction that should be reduced. Different methods have been proposed to optimize the weight of trusses. The artificial bee colony algorithm has been proposed recently. This algorithm selects the lightest section from a list of available profiles that satisfy the existing provisions in the design codes and specifications. An important issue in optimization algorithms is how to impose constraints. In this paper, the artificial bee colony algorithm is used for the discrete optimization of trusses. The fly-back mechanism is chosen to impose constraints. Finally, with some basic examples that have been introduced in similar articles, the performance of this algorithm is tested using the fly-back mechanism. The results indicate that the rate of convergence and the accuracy are optimized in comparison with other methods.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.393-405
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• 2009

The Purpose of this paper is to show the applicability of a methodology, developed by the authors, with which to perform the mechanical optimization of space truss structures strongly restricted. This methodology use a parameter call "Volumetric Displacement", as the Objective Function of the optimization process. This parameter considers altogether the structure weight and deformation whose effects are opposed. The Finite Element Method is employed to calculate the stress/strain state and the natural frequency of the structure through a structural linear static and natural frequency analysis. In order to show the potentially of this simple methodology, its application on a large diameter telescope structure (10 m) considering the strongly restriction that became of its use, is presented. This methodology, applied in previous works on continuous structures, such as shell roof and fluid storage vessels, is applied in this case to a space truss structure, with the purpose of generalize its applicability to different structural topology. This technique could be useful in the morphology design of deployable and retractable roof structures, whose use has extensively spread in the last years.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.70 no.1
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• pp.81-96
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• 2019

In this paper, a hybrid uncertain model is applied to system reliability based design optimization (RBDO) of trusses. All random variables are described by random distributions but some key distribution parameters of them which lack information are defined by variation intervals. For system RBDO of trusses, the first order reliability method, as well as monotonicity analysis and the branch and bound method, are utilized to determine the system failure probability; and Improved (${\mu}+{\lambda}$) constrained differential evolution (ICDE) is employed for the optimization process. System reliability assessment of several numerical examples and system RBDO of different truss structures are proposed to verify our results. Moreover, the effect of different classes of interval distribution parameters on the optimum weight of the structure and the reliability index are also investigated. The results indicate that the weight of the structure is increased by increasing the uncertainty level. Moreover, it is shown that for a certain random variable, the optimum weight is more increased by the translation interval parameters than the rotation ones.

• 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 Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.319-328
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• 2011

This paper introduces the construction of Strut-Tie model based on the Evolutionary Structural Optimization(ESO) method. Differently from conventional ESO method which uses plane stress elements, the introduced approach adopts the use of truss elements with the fact that the optimum topology of structures by ESO method is open a truss-like structure. Several examples are provided to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method in finding the best Strut-Tie models. In advance, it is shown that the introduced method is supported through the correlation studies between two-dimensional plane stress analysis and Strut-Tie models, and can be used effectively in practice, especially in shear design of complex reinforced concrete members where no previous experience is available.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.71 no.4
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• pp.417-432
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• 2019

Seismic performance analysis of steel-brace reinforced concrete (RC) frame using topology optimization in highly seismic region was discussed in this research. Topology optimization based on truss-like material model was used, which was to minimum volume in full-stress method. Optimized bracing systems of low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise RC frames were established, and optimized bracing systems of substructure were also gained under different constraint conditions. Thereafter, different structure models based on optimized bracing systems were proposed and applied. Last, structural strength, structural stiffness, structural ductility, collapse resistant capacity, collapse probability and demolition probability were studied. Moreover, the brace buckling was discussed. The results show that bracing system of RC frame could be derived using topology optimization, and bracing system based on truss-like model could help to resolve numerical instabilities. Bracing system of topology optimization was more effective to enhance structural stiffness and strength, especially in mid-rise and high-rise frames. Moreover, bracing system of topology optimization contributes to increase collapse resistant capacity, as well as reduces collapse probability and accumulated demolition probability. However, brace buckling might weaken beneficial effects.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.701-710
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• 2012

We present optimum design for truss and frame structures subject to constraints on stresses, displacement, and natural frequency. The optimum design procedure is used discrete and continuous design variables and Genetic Algorithms. Genetic Algorithms is used the method of Elitism and penalty parameters in order to improved fitness in the reproduction process, and optimum design is used steel(W-section) and pre-made discrete cross-section. Truss and frame structures optimization examples are used for 10-Bar truss, 25-Bar truss, 1-bay 2-story frame, 1-bay 7-story frame, and these examples are employed to demonstrate the availability and serviceability of Genetic Algorithms for solving optimum design of truss and frame.

• Advances in Computational Design
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.19-35
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• 2022

In this paper, the optimum location of the belt truss-outrigger for a combined system of framed tube, shear core and outrigger-belt truss is calculated. The optimum location is determined by maximization of the first natural frequency. The framed tube is modeled using a non-prismatic cantilever beam with hollow box cross section. The governing differential equation is solved using the weak form integral equations and the natural frequencies of the structure are calculated. The graphs are introduced for quick calculation of the first natural frequency. The location of the belt truss-outrigger that maximizes the first natural frequency of the structure is introduced as an optimum location. The structure is modeled using SAP-2000 finite elements software. In the modelling, the location of the belt truss-outrigger is changed along the height of the structure. With various locations of the outrigger, the lateral deflection of the all stories and axial force in the columns of the outer tube are calculated. The analysis is repeated by locating the outrigger-belt truss at the optimum location. The analysis results are compared and effect of the optimum location on the lateral deflection and the shear lag phenomena are investigated.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.77-85
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• 2011

In this study, micro genetic algorithm is used to find an optimum cross section of grid structures with pretension. Design optimization of trusses consists of arriving at optimum sizes of cross-section and prestressing force parameters, when weight of the truss is minimum, satisfying a set of specified constraints. The present approach is verified by ten-bar truss example showing good agreements with previous results. Features of the proposed method, which help in modeling and application to optimal design of pretensioned truss structures, are demonstrated by solving a problem of seventy two bar truss structures. The minimum weight design of seventy two bar truss is performed for various magnitudes of pretension and optimal prestressing forces are also found for various configurations of pretensioned truss structures.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2005.04a
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• pp.351-358
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• 2005

Many methods have been developed and are in use for structural size optimization problems, In which the cross-sectional areas or sizing variables are usually assumed to be continuous. In most practical structural engineering design problems, however, the design variables are discrete. This paper proposes an efficient optimization method for structures with discrete-sized variables based on the harmony search (HS) meta-heuristic algorithm. The recently developed HS algorithm was 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 In this paper, a discrete search strategy using the HS algorithm is presented in detail and its effectiveness and robustness, as compared to current discrete optimization methods, are demonstrated through a standard truss example. The numerical results reveal that the proposed method is a powerful search and design optimization tool for structures with discrete-sized members, and may yield better solutions than those obtained using current method.