Guide to Structural Optimization

Abstract

• Prepared by the Technical Committee on Optimal Structural Design of the Technical Administrative Committee on Analysis and Computation of the Technical Activities Division of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE

  This Manual of Practice explains the use of modern optimization methods with simple yet meaningful structural design examples. Optimization methods are at the heart of computer methods for designing engineering systems because they help designers evaluate more alternatives, thus resulting in better and more cost-effective designs. This manual emphasizes the formulation of design problems as optimization problems. Sample applications illustrate the basic concepts and demonstrate what can be achieved by optimum design methods. Optimum solutions are obtained and, where possible, compared with the solutions derived using traditional design procedures.

  Topics include: the optimization design process versus conventional design process; examples of optimization methods applied to light-gauge/cold-formed steel beams, composite members, reinforced concrete columns or beams, prestressed concrete beams, reinforced concrete frames, structural steel frameworks, tall steel building framework, and frames using plastic design concepts; sensitivity analysis for structural design; incorporating reliability; and optimizing for earthquake loads and for shapes. Six appendixes consider basic concepts, computational methods, an optimality criterion method, a dual method for discrete optimization, combinatorial search, and stochastic search.

  MOP 90 covers the basic ideas and concepts of structural optimization so that the numerical algorithms can be used properly and effectively by structural and architectural engineers.