Abstract
This chapter presents a review of mathematical programming methods used in the design of skeletal elastic structures in which the possibility of altering the shape, position or layout of the members is considered. Virtually every type of optimization procedure including linear, non-linear, and dynamic programming has been applied to this design problem. These methods have been implemented using three main approaches. The first, referred to as the ‘ground structure’ approach, is one in which members are removed from a highly connected structure to derive an optimum subset of bars. In the second approach the co-ordinates of the joints of the structure are treated as design variables and moved during the optimization procedure to enable an optimum layout to be designed. The third type of method includes those which allow for topological considerations at certain points during the design process and generally keeps the design variables in two separate groups. The paper discusses the way in which each of the mathematical programming methods has been applied to these approaches.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Barnes, M.R., Topping, B.H.V., Wakefield, D.S., “Aspects of Form-Finding by Dynamic Relaxation,” International Conference on the Behaviour of Slender Structures, London, United Kingdom, Sept., 1977.
Barta, J., “On the Minimum Weight of Certain Redundant Structures,” Actatechnica Academiae scientiarum hungaricae, Budapest, Hungary, Vol. 18, 1957, 67–76.
Chan, H.S.Y., “The Design of Michell Optimum Structures,” College of Aeronautics, Cranfield, United Kingdom, Report No. 142, Dec., 1960.
Chan, H.S.Y., “Optimum Structural Design and Linear Programming,” College of Aeronautics, Cranfield, United Kingdom, Report No. 175, Sept., 1964.
Corcoran, P.J., “Configurational Optimization of Structures,” International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, Vol. 12, 1970, 459–462.
Corcoran, P.J., “The Design of Minimum Weight Structures of Optimum Configuration,” thesis presented to The City University, at London, United Kingdom, in 1970, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Corcoran, C.A., “Examples of Optimization in Structural Design,” in An Introduction to Structural Optimization, Study No. 1, Solid Mechanics Division, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada, 1968.
Cox, H.L., “The Design of Structures of Least Weight,” Pergamon Press, London, United Kingdom, 1965.
Dobbs, M.W., Felton, L.P., “Optimization of Truss Geometry,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 95, No.ST10, Oct., 1969, 2105–2118.
Dorn, W.S., Gomory, R.E., Greenberg, H.J., “Automatic Design of Optimal Structures,” Journal de Mecanique, Vol. 3, No. Mars, France, 1964.
Estrada-Villegas, J.E., “Optimum Design of Planar Trusses using Linear Programming,” thesis presented to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1965, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.
Farshi, B., Schmit, L.A., “Minimum Weight Design of Stress Limited Trusses,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 100, No. ST1, Jan., 1974, 97107.
Fleron, P., “The Minimum Weight of Trusses,” Bygningsstatiske Meddelelser, Vol. 35, No. 3, Dec., 1964, 81–96.
Fu, Kuan-Chen, “An Application of Search Techniques in Truss Configuration Optimisation,” Computers and Structures, Vol. 3, 1973, 315–328.
Friedland, L.R., “Geometric Structural Behaviour,” thesis presented to Columbia University, at New York, N.Y., in 1971, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Engineering Science.
Gallagher, R.H., “Fully Stressed Design,” Chapter 3 of Optimum Structural Design - Theory and Applications, R.H. Gallagher, O.C. Zienkiewicz, eds., John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1977.
Hajela, P., Ashley, H., “Hybrid Optimization of Truss Structures with Strength and Buckling Constraints,” Proceedings, International Symposium on Optimum Structural Design, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 1981.
Hemp, W.S., “Studies in the Theory of Michell Structures,” Proceedings International Congress of Applied Mechanics, Munich, West Germany, 1964.
Hemp, W.S., “Optimum Structures,” Clarendon Press, Oxford, United Kingdom, 1973.
Hemp, W.S., Chan, H.S.Y., “Optimum Design of Pin-Jointed Frameworks,” Aeronautical Research Council Reports and Mem. No. 3632, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, London, United Kingdom, 1970.
Ho, J.K., “Optimal Design of Multi-Stage Structures: A Nested Decomposition Approach,” Computers and Structures, Vol. 5, 1975, pp 249–255.
Imai, K., Schmit, L.A., “Configuration Optimization of Trusses,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 107, No. ST5, May, 1981, 745–756.
Kapoor, M.P., Kumarasamy, K., “Optimum Configuration of Transmission Towers in Dynamic Response Regime,” Proceedings, International Symposium on Optimum Structural Design, Tucson, Ariz., Oct., 1981.
Kirsch, U., “Synthesis of Structural Geometry Using Approximation Concepts,” Computers and Structures, Vol. 15, No. 3, 1982, 305–314.
Kirsch, U., “Optimal Topologies of Flexural Systems”, Engineering Optimization, v. 11, 141–149, 1987.
Kirsch, U., “Optimal Topologies of structures”, Applied Mechanics Review, vol. 42, n. 8, 223–238, 1989
Kirsch,U., “On singular topologies in optimum structural design”, Structural Optimization, v. 2, n. 3, 133–142, 1990.
Kirsch, U., Taye, S., “On Optimal Topologies of Grillage Structures”, Engineering Computations, v. 1, 229–243, 1986.
Lev, O.E., “Optimum Choice of Determinate Trusses under Multiple Loads,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 103, No. ST2, Feb., 1977, 39 1403.
Lev, O.E., “Topology and Optimality of Certain Trusses,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 107, No. ST2, Feb., 1981, 383–393.
Lev, O.E., “Sequential Geometric Optimization,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 107, No. ST10, Oct., 1981, 1935–1943.
Lev, O.E., ed., “Structural Optimization - Recent Developments and Applications”, ASCE, New York, N.Y., 1981.
Lin, J.H., Che, W.Y., Yu, Y.S., “Structural Optimization on Geometrical Configuration and Element Sizing with Statical and Dynamical Constraints,” Proceedings, International Symposium on Optimum Structural Design, Tucson, Ariz., Oct., 1981.
Lin, J.H., Che, W.Y., Yu, Y.S., “Structural Optimization on Geometrical Configuration and Element Sizing with Statical and Dynamical Constraints,” Computers and Structures, Vol. 15, No. 5, 1982, 507–515.
Lipson, S.L., Agrawal, K.M., “Weight Optimization of Plane Trusses,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 100, No. ST5, May 1974, 865–879.
Lipson, S.L., Gwin, L.B., “Discrete Sizing of Trusses for Optimal Geometry” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 103, No. ST5, May, 1977, 1031 1046.
Lipson, S.L., Gwin, L.B., “The Complex Method Applied to Optimal Truss Configuration,” Computers and Structures, Vol. 7, 1977, 461–468.
Majid, K.I., “Optimum Design of Structures,” Newnes-Butterworths, London, United Kingdom, 1974.
Majid, K.I., “Generalized Theroems of Structural Variation for Rigidly Jointed Frames,” International Conference on the Behaviour of Slender Structures, London, United Kingdom, Sept. 1977.
Majid, K.I., Elliott, D.W.C., “Forces and Deflections in Changing Structures,” The Structural Engineer, Vol. 51, No. 3, Mar., 1973, 93–101.
Majid, K.I., Elliott, D.W.C., “Topological Design of Pin Jointed Structures by Non-Linear Programming,” Proceedings, Institution of Civil Engineers, Vol. 55, Pt. 2, Mar., 1973, 129–149.
Majid, K.I., Saka, M.P., “Optimum Design of Rigidly Jointed Frames,” Proceedings of the Symposium on Applications of Computer Methods in Engineering, Los Angeles, Aug., 1977.
Majid, K.I., Saka, M.P., Celik, T., “The Theorem of Structural Variation Generalized for Rigidly Jointed Frames,” Proceedings, Institution of Civil Engineers, Vol. 65, Pt. 2, Dec., 1978, 839–856.
Majid, K.I., Stojanovski, P., Saka, M.P., “Minimum Cost Topological Design of Sway Frames,” The Structural Engineer, Vol. 58B, No. 1, Mar., 1980, 14–20.
Majid, K.I., Tang, X., “The Optimum Design of Pin-jointed Space Structures with Variable Shape”, The Structural Engineer, Vol. 62B, n. 2, 31–37, 1984.
Maxwell, J.C., “On Reciprocal Figures, Frames and Diagrams of Forces,” Scientific Papers, Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom, Vol.2, 1890, 175177.
McConnel, R.E., “Least-Weight Frameworks for Loads across Span”. Journal of the Engineering Mechanics Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, v.100, n. EMS, 885–901, 1974.
Michell, A.G.M., “The Limits of Economy of Materials in Frame Structures,” Philosophical Magazine, Series 6, Vol. 8, No. 47, 1904, 589–597.
Murotsu, Y., Shao, S., “Optimum shape design of truss structures based on reliability”, Stuctural Optimization, Vol. 2, n. 2, 65–76, 1990.
Owen, J.B.B., “The Analysis and Design of Light Structures,” Edward Arnold, London, United Kingdom, 1975.
Parkes, E. W., Braced Frameworks, 2nd Edn., Pergamon Press, London, United Kingdom, 1974.
Parkes, E.W., “Joints in Optimum Frameworks,” International Journal Solids Structures, Vol. 11, 1975, 1017–1022.
Palmer, A.C., Sheppard, D.J., “Optimising the Shape of Pin-Jointed Structures,” Proceedings, Institution of Civil Engineers, Vol. 47, 1970, 363–376.
Pearson, C.E., “Structural Design by High-Speed Computing Machines,” Conference on Electronic Computation, Structural Division, ASCE, Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 1958.
Pederson, P., “On the Minimum Mass Layout of Trusses,” Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development, Conf. Proc. No. 36, Symposium on Structural Optimization, AGARD-CP-36–70, 1970.
Pederson, P., “On the Optimal Layout of Multi-Purpose Trusses,” Report No. 18, The Technical University of Denmark, Dec. 1971.
Pederson, P., “On the Optimal Layout of Multi-Purpose Trusses,” Computers and Structures, Vol. 2, 1972, 695–712.
Pederson, P., “Optimal Joint Positions for Space Trusses,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 99, No. ST12, Dec. 1973, 2459–2476.
Pope, G.G., “The Application of Linear Programming Techniques in the Design of Optimum Structures,” Symposium on Structural Optimization, Conference Proceedings, No. 36, AGARD-CP-36–70, 1970.
Porter Goff, R.F.D., “Decision Theory and the Shape of Structures,” J. R.y, Aero. Soc., Vol. 70, Mar. 1974, 448–452.
Porter Goff, R.F.D., “Dynamic Programming and the Shape of Structures,” Proceedings International Conference, Computer Aided Design, University of Southampton, Apr. 1969.
Prager, W., “A Note on Discretized Michell Structures,” Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol. 3, 1974, 349–355.
Prager, W., “Optimal Layout of Cantilever Trusses,” Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications, Vol. 23, No. 1, Sept., 1977, 111–117.
Prager, W., Rozvany, G.I.N., “Optimisation of Structural Geometry,” Dynamical Systems, Proceedings, University of Florida, International Symposium, A.R. Bednarek and L. Cesari, Eds., Academic Press, New York, N.Y., 1977.
Prager, W., Rozvany, G.I.N., “Optimal Layout of Grillages,” Journal of Structural Mechanics, Vol. 5, No. 1, 1977, 1–18.
Reinschmidt, K.F., Russell, A. D., “Linear Methods in Structural Optimisation,” Research Report R 70–41, Department of Civil Eng., Cambridge, Mass., July, 1970.
Reinschmidt, K.F., Russell, A.D., “Applications of Linear Programming in Structural Layout and Optimization,” Computers and Structures, Vol. 4, 1974, 855–869.
Richards, D.M., Chan, H.S.Y., “Developments in the Theory of Michell Optimum Structures,” Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development, Report 543, Apr., 1; 966.
Robinson, D.J., “Optimization of Rigidly Jointed Frames”, thesis presented for Doctor of Philosophy, University of Edinburgh, 1984.
Robinson, D.J., Topping, B.H.V., “Frame Optimization and Column Design”, Civil Engineering Systems, v. 1, 211–223, 1984.
Rozvany, G.I.N., “Optimal Design of Flexural Systems - Beams, Grillages, Slabs, Plates and Shells,” Pergamon Press, Oxford, United Kingdom, 1976.
Rozvany, G.I.N., “Discussion on Reference 23,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 103, No. ST12, Dec., 1977, 2432–2433.
Russell, A.D., Reinschmidt, K.F., Discussion on “Optimum Design of Trusses for Ultimate Loads,” Lapay, W.S., Globle, G.G., Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 97, No. ST9, Sept., 1971, 2437–24
Saka, M.P., “Shape Optimization of Trusses,” Jounral of Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 106, No. ST5, May, 1980, 1155–1174.
Schmidt, L.C. “Minimum Weight Layouts of Elastic Statically Determinate, Triangulated Frames under Alternative Load Systems,” J. Mech. Phys. Solids, Vol. 10, 1962, 139–149.
Schmit, L.A., “Structural Design by Systematic Synthesis,” Proceedings, Second National Conference on Electronic Computation, ASCE, Pittsburgh, Pa., Sept. 1960, 105–132.
Schmit, L.A., Kicher, T.P., “Synthesis of Material and Configuration Selection,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 88, No. ST3, June, 1962, 79–102.
Schmit, L.A., Morrow, W.M., “Structural Synthesis with Buckling Constraints,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 89, No. ST2, Apr. 1963, 107–126.
Schmit, L.A., Mallett, R.H., “Structural-Synthesis and Design Parameter Hierarchy,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 89, No.ST4, Aug. 1963, 269–299.
Sheppard, D.J., Palmer, A.C., “Optimal Design of Transmission Towers by Dynamic Programming,” Computers and Structures, Vol. 2, 1972, 455–468.
Sheu, C.Y., Schmit, L.A., “Minimum Weight Design of Elastic Redundant Trusses under Multiple Static Loading Conditions,” AIAA Journal, Vol. 10, No. 2, Feb. 1972, 155–162.
Shiraishi, N., Furuta, H., “On Geometry of Truss”, Memoirs of the Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University, Vol. XLI, Part 4, 498–517, October, 1979. (in english)
Shiraishi, N., Furuta, H., “A few Considerations in Topological and Geometrical Systems of Trussed Bridges”, Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, v.28, 129137, 1980
Shiraishi, N., Furuta, H., Ikejima, K., “Configurational Optimization of Framed Structural Systems”, Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, v.29, 85–91, 1981
Spillers, W.R., “Iterative Design for Optimal Geometry,” Jounral of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 101, No. ST7, July 1975, 1435–1442.
Spillers, W.R., Friedland, L., “On Adaptive Structural Design,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 98, No. ST10, Oct. 1971, 2155–2163.
Spillers, W.R., “Some Problems of Structural Design” in “Basic Questions of Design Theory,” North Holland Publishing Co., Amsterdam, Holland, 1974.
Spillers, W.R., “Iterative Structural Design,” North Holland Publishing Co., Amsterdam, Holland, 1975.
Spillers, W.R., Kountouris, G.E., “Geometric Optimisation Using Simple Code Representation,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 106, No. ST5, 1980, 959–971.
Spillers, W.R., Lefcochilos, E., “Elastic Realizability of Force and Displacement Systems in Structures,” Quart. Appl. Math., Vol. Jan. 1980, 411–420.
Spillers, W.R., Lev, O., “Design for Two Loading Conditions,” International Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 7, 1971, 1261–1267.
Spillers, W.R., “Shape Optimization of Structures”, Chapter 2 of “Design Optimization”, edited J.S. Gero, Academic Press, Florida, 1985.
Sved, G., “The Minimum Weight of Certain Redundant Structures,” Australian J. Appl. Sci., Vol. 5, 1954, 1–9.
Sved, G., Ginos, Z., “Structural Optimization under Multiple Loading,” Int. J. Mech. Sci., Vol. 10, 1968, 803–805.
Topping, B.H.V., “Form-Finding of Modular Space Structures using Dynamic Relaxation,” thesis presented to The City University, at London, United Kingdom, in 1978, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Topping, B.H.V., “Shape Optimization of Skeletal Structures: A Review”, ACSE, Journal of Structural Engineering, v. 109, n. 8, 1933–1951, 1983
Topping, B.H.V., Robinson, D.J., “Optimization of Timber Framed Structrures”, Computers & Structures, v. 18, n. 6, 1167–1177, 1984.
Topping, B.H.V., Robinson, D.J., “Selecting non-linear optimization techniques for structural design”, Engineering Computations, v. 1, 252–262, 1984.
Topping, B.H.V., Robinson, D.J., “Computer Aided Design of Timber Space Frames”, CAD84, Proceedings of the 6th Int Conf on Computers in Engineering, Butterworths, 74–88, 1984.
Thomas, H.R., Brown, D.M., “Optimum Least-Cost Design of a Truss Roof System,” Computers and Structures, Vol. 7, 1977, 13–22.
Vanderplaats, G.N., “Automated Design of Elastic Trusses for Optimum Geometry,” thesis presented to Case Western Reserve Univ. at Cleveland, Ohio, in June 1971 in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor or Philosophy.
Vanderplaats, G.N., Moses, F., “Automated Design of Trusses for Optimum Geometry,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 98, No. ST3, 1972, 671–690.
Vanderplaats, G.N., “Design of Structures for Optimal Geometry,” National Aeronautics and Space Administration Report, TMX-62, Aug. 1975, p. 462.
Vanderplaats, G.N., “Structural Optimisation via a Design Space Hierarchy,” International Journal for Numberical Methods, Vol. 10, J. Wiley, England, 1976, 713–717.
Vanderplaats, G.N., “Numerical Methods for Shape Optimization - An Assessment of the State of the Art,” Proceedings, International Symposium on Optimum Structural Design, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 1981.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1992 Springer-Verlag Wien
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Topping, B.H.V. (1992). Mathematical Programming Techniques for Shape Optimization of Skeletal Structures. In: Rozvany, G.I.N. (eds) Shape and Layout Optimization of Structural Systems and Optimality Criteria Methods. International Centre for Mechanical Sciences, vol 325. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-2788-9_17
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-2788-9_17
Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna
Print ISBN: 978-3-211-82363-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-7091-2788-9
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive