Section Optimization Design of a Flexible Cable-Bar Tensile Structure Based on Robustness

Abstract

As the current literature lacks effective nonlinear robustness evaluation method and optimal design theory of the structural robustness for flexible cable-bar tensile structure, this paper aimed to conduct further studies. Based on the theory, a fundamental robustness analysis method and a detailed calculation way through the combination of induction of performance criterion and random theory for nonlinear structural robustness quantitative evaluation method were proposed. Following this, a real Geiger cable dome structure was studied as its research object, and the influences of structural robustness of simultaneous changes of all elements section and changes of every kind of element section were analysed, respectively. Finally, the genetic algorithm was applied through MATLAB and ANSYS software to achieve optimal section layout, with the goal of minimizing structural quality on the condition that the structural robustness indicator keep less than that of the initial structure. The result revealed that the increase of the section of elements can effectively enhance structural robustness and the section changes of various elements showed different sensitivities to the influence of structural robustness. Meanwhile, structural quality can be effectively reduced by optimizing measures such as increasing the section of elements with significant effect on structural robustness and reducing the section of elements with minor effects on structural robustness, while the structural robustness indicator keeps less than that of the initial structure. The optimization reveals that quality was reduced by 42.5% in this paper.