Simultaneous geometry and cross-section optimization of aluminum trusses

Abstract

Purpose – Trusses constitute a fertile field to demonstrate the application of optimization techniques because of the possibility of several different configurations. Using such techniques allows the search for designs that minimize the use of material to safely comply with the imposed loads. Truss optimization can be classified into three categories: cross-section, shape, and topology. The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical and experimental study developed to minimize the weight of aluminum trusses, taking both the cross-sectional dimensions of the elements and the nodal coordinates as design variables. Design/methodology/approach – Initially, several numerical computer simulations were performed with an optimization program developed by combining the displacement method and a simulated annealing optimization method. Subsequently, two aluminum trusses were selected and built in order to validate the numerical results obtained. Findings – Experimental tests verified the excellent performance of the optimized model. Originality/value – In addition, it was concluded that significant savings could be obtained from the application of the proposed formulation.

Geometric optimization of steel trusses with parallel chords

“…In this way, the problem becomes less dependent on the initial solution (initial values assigned to the cross sections and nodal coordinates of the displaceable nodes). The same strategy was adopted successfully by the authors in previous works [7][8][9][10].…”