Comparative Analysis of the Mechanical Performance of Timber Trusses Structural Typologies Applying Computational Intelligence

Abstract

Timber application is viable in constructive systems because of its mechanical properties, suitable for structural applications in engineering. Timber is even more interesting to use since it is a renewable source. Among its several applications, timber is widely used in roofing structures, with several typologies of trusses. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the behavior of plane truss in different loading conditions, including dead load, service load, and wind suction load. The mechanical performance of two trusses (Pratt and Scissor) was analyzed and compared, according to the Brazilian standard of timber structures ABNT NBR 7190 (1997) (methods and calculus premises), with the finite element method, an algorithm of swarm intelligence optimization (structure weight minimization), and a parametric study. Based on minimum weight and maximum displacement as a function of span variation, Pratt typology presented lower weight (3–19%) when compared with Scissor, under the same span and loading conditions. Regarding maximum displacements, Pratt typology presented lower displacement values than the Scissor typology. The difference between these values ranged from two to seven times, indicating that Scissor typology can better distribute normal loads (maximum displacement closer to the normative limit displacement). Variance analysis (5% of significance) confirmed these results.

Comparative Analysis of the Mechanical Performance of Timber Flat Truss Typologies for Different Strength Classes via Optimization Algorithm

“…Given the complexity of this problem and the many variables involved, manual calculation has been replaced by calculation procedures for structural projects that count on the aid of computational science. This approach is essential to expedite the design of structures, speeding up the process of development, reproduction in scale, and improving the ability to test and refine the design [29].…”

“…With the evolution of the sizing procedure from computational methods, structural optimization has become a viable tool, applied to various structural systems, including timber structures such as beams [30][31][32], frames [33], and trusses [29,[34][35][36].…”

“…Different swarm intelligence-based algorithms have been introduced in optimization algorithm applications, such as the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) Algorithm, the Bat Algorithm (BA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and the Firefly Algorithm (FA). FA is widely used in structural optimization processes [29,34,[47][48][49].…”

Optimum design of precast and prestressed beams with focus on CO2 emission reduction

“…Cardoso et al [17] evaluated the static and dynamic wind effect applying structural optimization of concrete plane frames. Christoforo et al [18] and Moraes et al [19] applied optimization for wood truss roof structures.…”