A Python script for adaptive layout optimization of trusses

Abstract

Numerical layout optimization employing an adaptive 'member adding' solution scheme provides a computationally efficient means of generating (near-)optimum trusses for problems involving single or multiple load cases. To encourage usage of the method, a Python script is presented, allowing medium to large-scale problems to be solved efficiently. As well as handling multiple load cases, the short (98 line) script presented can tackle truss optimization problems involving unequal limiting tensile and compressive stresses, joint costs, and non-convex polygonal domains, with or without holes. Various numerical examples are used to demonstrate the efficacy of the script presented.

LayOpt: an educational web-app for truss layout optimization

“…For a fully general solution, each node should be connected to every other node; however, this becomes computationally challenging when large numbers of nodes are involved. To address this an adaptive 'member adding' strategy can be used (Gilbert and Tyas 2003;Pritchard et al 2005;He et al 2019b), which is guaranteed to obtain the same solution as would be obtained had all members been connected from the outset.…”

“…Whereas those active in the continuum topology optimization field have benefited from the availability of interactive educational tools for the last two decades, there have to date been no similar interactive educational tools for truss layout optimization (also known as 'truss topology optimization'), though a number of short educational scripts have been made available (e.g. Sokół 2011;Zegard and Paulino 2014;He et al 2019b). Also, a truss optimization method employing a 'growth' heuristic has been made available as a downloadable software program for PCs (Martinez et al 2007).…”

Application of Discontinuity Layout Optimization to Steel Parts and Steel Connections with a Single Bolt

“…The presented research focuses on an alternative method to overcome the problems mentioned above-the so-called discontinuity layout optimization (DLO). The DLO was first invented in [8,9] for plane plasticity problems, in analogy to truss layout optimization problems [10,11]. The first application was focused on geotechnical issues and the analysis of masonry arches [12].…”

“…9a shows the same specimen as used in Section 3.2. Instead of the hole, two circular notches at the outside of the specimen with diameter d = 40 mm were considered.A possible lower bound solution is identical to Equation(11) and results in F Tresca = F Mises = 170.4 kN.…”

Automated Framework for the Optimisation of Spatial Layouts for Concrete Structures Reinforced with Robotic Filament Winding

“…In this combinatorial design space of tensile ties, some layouts are more efficient and therefore require less reinforcement. The search through this space of feasible layouts is performed using layout optimisation [16,17]. Such methods minimise the amount of material, which is equivalent to the total load path , which is the sum of the force times the length in each edge over the entire set of edges :…”