Optimal design of beam-column connections of plane steel frames using the component method

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for optimization of beam-column connections of plane steel frames. The objective is to obtain beam-column connections mechanically more efficient and with minimum cost by determination of the optimal dimensions for the components of the connection; satisfying mechanical constraints associated with the bending moment and the rotational stiffness of the connection, without compromising its safety and integrity. Minimum and maximum limits of geometric parameters are considered, according to current regulations. Algorithms were developed to calculate the bending moment and the rotational stiffness of the connection using the "Method of Components" of Eurocode 3. Initially, it was developed a digital database with structural profiles, steel plates and commercial bolts obtained from catalogs of manufacturers, with automatic access of the data by the computational modules of structural analysis and optimization. In the optimization model, it is adopted the connection with extended end plate without stiffeners, the design variables are the dimensions and the thickness of the end plate, the diameter and the location of the bolts. In the optimization process, we use genetic algorithms with continuous and discrete variables, with the discrete variables being associated to the database. In this way, this paper presents a computational tool fully developed in MATLAB® environment for analysis and optimal design of beam-column connections for plane steel frames. Applications that show quite satisfactory results when compared with results available in the literature are presented.

Computational methodology for the optimal design of steel truss frames integrating MATLAB and FEA platforms

“…The new individuals are obtained from the old generation by using the GA operatorselitism, selection, crossover, and mutation. This procedure is repeated iteratively with the expectation that the best and average fitness values of the population should improve along with the iterations and, therefore, provide the best solution for the problem (Hortencio et al, 2018).…”

Preface to the special issue of the International Symposium on Solid Mechanics (MecSol 2017)

“…• New Developments and Applications: beam-column (Hortencio and Falcón, 2018) and bolted (Vilela et al, 2018) connection design, assessment of flexible fixtures (Negri et al, 2018), and hydride formation and growth in metals (Souza et al, 2018).…”

Optimization of Glulam Regular Double-Tapered Beams for Agroforestry Constructions

“…The optimization of structures involves finding the most cost-effective structural design by minimizing the amount of material required that, at the same time, meets the predefined criteria, such as strength, stability, and displacements within the structural design and safety standards. Although research on structural optimization dates back to the 1970s [5][6][7], only in the last two decades has there been significant progress in its development [8][9][10][11][12], largely due to the implementation of artificial intelligence techniques such as genetic algorithms. However, most of the research focuses on steel [13][14][15][16] and concrete [17][18][19][20] structures, with timber structures [21][22][23] largely ignored by the scientific community.…”