Computer-Aided Size Optimization of Steel Trusses Subjected to Stress and Displacement Constraints.

Abstract

The analysis and optimum design of steel elastic trusses are carried out using a computer aided programme written in MATLAB. Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions were employed and a mathematical model was developed. The adopted numerical solution technique used was finite element method. Since the aim of this computer aided analysis and optimum design is to provide, with due regard to economy, a structure capable of fulfilling its intended use and sustaining the specified loads for it intended life, the axial forces and nodal displacements in the members and nodes were calculated respectively. Then, the compressive members were subjected to compressive stress and buckling load constraints while the tensile members were subjected to tensile stress resistance and the nodal displacement were subjected to maximum allowable displacement based on BS5950. The comparison of the algorithm with existing methods in the literature using a benchmark 10-bar truss shows the advantage of this approach.