TECHNICAL PAPERS
Apr 15, 2003

Combining Dynamic Relaxation Method with Artificial Neural Networks to Enhance Simulation of Tensegrity Structures

Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 129, Issue 5

Abstract

Structural analyses of tensegrity structures must account for geometrical nonlinearity. The dynamic relaxation method correctly models static behavior in most situations. However, the requirements for precision increase when these structures are actively controlled. This paper describes the use of neural networks to improve the accuracy of the dynamic relaxation method in order to correspond more closely to data measured from a full-scale laboratory structure. An additional investigation evaluates training the network during the service life for further increases in accuracy. Tests showed that artificial neural networks increased model accuracy when used with the dynamic relaxation method. Replacing the dynamic relaxation method completely by a neural network did not provide satisfactory results. First tests involving training the neural network online showed potential to adapt the model to changes during the service life of the structure.

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Published In

Go to Journal of Structural Engineering
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 129Issue 5May 2003
Pages: 672 - 681

History

Received: Jun 24, 2002
Accepted: Oct 11, 2002
Published online: Apr 15, 2003
Published in print: May 2003

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Authors

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Bernd Domer
Research Assistant, Structural Engineering Institute, IMAC-IS-ENAC, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Etienne Fest
Research Assistant, Structural Engineering Institute, IMAC-IS-ENAC, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Vikram Lalit
Software Engineer, Geometric Software Solutions Company, Limited, Bombay, India.
Ian F. C. Smith, M.ASCE
Professor, Structural Engineering Institute, IMAC-IS-ENAC, 1015 Lausanne, EPFL, Switzerland.

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