Structural optimization of trusses considering geometric stability

Resumo

Structural optimization is a required area where the aim is to reduce project costs, reducing the amount
of material used and meeting the requirements for the safety and use of the structure. The objective of the study
is develop computerized routines for the structural optimization of trusses submitted to nodal loads considering
geometric stability. The optimization problem seeks for an answer that minimizes the volume of trusses subjected
to stress, displacement and geometric stability constraints. The design variables are those commonly used, given
by the bars cross-section area and nodal coordinates. To solve this problem, computerized routines were developed
using MASTAN2

R program for the structural analysis and MATLAB

R program, for numerical optimization.

Different sample structures were created to analyze the resourcefulness of the routines. The program found diffi-
culties in optimizes some structures that have bars that are not necessary in the final design, a classical difficulty in

this area.