Research Article
Mar 1972
Automated Design of Trusses for Optimum Geometry
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of the Structural Division
Volume 98, Issue 3
Abstract
Three-dimensional indeterminate elastic trusses subjected to multiple loading conditions are optimally designed for least weight. The member areas and joint coordinates are treated as design variables for problems where a reasonable initial geometry is specified. Members are designed to stress and Euler buckling limits and linking constraints between area variables. The fully stressed design is assumed optimal. Coordinate variables may be linked to maintain geometric symmetry. The design problem is, in effect, divided into two separate, but dependent, design spaces—one for member sizes and one for coordinates. While changing coordinate variables, the member areas are treated as dependent variables. Design of larger structures by sequential design of substructures is illustrated. Examples are presented with computer run times (UNIVAC 1108, FORTRAN V) ranging from 28 sec for a 25-bar space truss to 2 min for a 47-bar planar tower. Design of the tower by substructure required 1 min. Significant weight reductions are reported when geometric changes are included in the optimization process.
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Information
Published In
Journal of the Structural Division
Volume 98 • Issue 3 • March 1972
Pages: 671 - 690
Copyright
© 1972 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Mar 1972
Published online: Feb 1, 2021
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Authors
Affiliations
Garret N. Vanderplaats, AM.ASCE
Research Scientist, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
Fred Moses, AM.ASCE
Assoc. Prof. of Engrg., Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland, Ohio
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.