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.

Citation

Gutkowski, W., Bauer, J. and Zawidzka, J. (2000), "An effective method for discrete structural optimization", Engineering Computations, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 417-426. https://doi.org/10.1108/02644400010334829