An effective method for discrete structural optimization

Abstract

Deals with an approximate, but very simple, method of finding the minimum of structural weight under static loads. The design consists of assigning an appropriate rolled profile, from a given catalogue, to each structural member. The design is then formulated as a discrete structural optimization problem. The structure may be subjected to an arbitrary number of constraints imposed on stresses and structural material from members with the least stress. Presented examples are showing that the problems with k0 catalogue elements, and j0 structural members, including k0 to the power j0 combinations, can be solved with k0j0 analyses only. The knowledge needed to solve the problem is limited to structural analysis.

A hybrid gradient-based/metaheuristic method for Eurocode-compliant size, shape and topology optimization of steel structures

“…The following figures give an overview of load cases considered for the braced frame (Figures D. 26 Wind ( 1)…”

“…The literature contains a limited number of articles on Eurocode-based optimization at building level. Gutkowski et al [26] have proposed a heuristic method that recursively analyzes a structure while removing redundant ma-terial, which is applied to the 10-bar truss and a simple frame structure in Guerlement et al [27], considering strength and displacement constraints from Eurocode 3. Jalkanen [28] applied several metaheuristic methods (simulated annealing, tabu search, genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization) to size, shape and topology optimization of tubular trusses subject to the constraints in Eurocode 3.…”

Discrete structural optimization by removing redundant material

“…The process proceeds as long as there is no more possibility of diminishing the cross-sections of structural members. The main idea of such an approach, for static cases, under one loading condition, has been already presented earlier by Gutkowski et al (2000). In the present article an extension of the method to multiple loading conditions and dynamic cases is presented.…”

“…The main idea of the proposed method was presented by Gutkowski et al (2000) for the case of a single static load. Briefly, it consists of removing material, in a recursive way, from the structural elements with smallest stresses.…”

Dr. ing. Jacek Bauer (1943–2004)

“…Some dealt with controlled enumeration method (Bauer, Gutkowski, Iwanow 1981), some with evolutionary optimization (Gutkowski, Iwanow, Bauer 2001) in which the problem of controlled mutation was discussed. He also contributed to developing a very effective approach of minimum weight design by removing redundant material (Gutkowski, Bauer, Zawidzka 2000).…”