COMPUTER AIDED OPTIMUM DESIGN OF STRUCTURES

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to develop an optimization procedure that is simple and effective to encourage the use of optimization in a designer's work. Complex mathematical equations and derivations which are usually equated to optimization are avoided. The entire procedure has been programmed for use in microcomputers which are easily accessible to designers nowadays. Computational time is kept to a minimum by using simplified method of analysis or by using various schemes of problem size reduction strategies. The objective functions considered are the material cost or minimum weight of the structures. Feasibility and practicality are ensured by designing in accordance with the relevant British Codes of Practice. The design and practical requirements are formulated as constraints of the the optimization problems. Three problems have been studied; minimum material cost of axisymmetrically loaded reinforced concrete shell, minimum material cost of reinforced concrete frames and minimum weight design of steel frames. The resulting problems are solved numerically using direct search methods of optimization.