Optimising structures using the principle of virtual work
This paper presents a method for optimising structures with a given geometry and loading based on the principle of virtual work. The Virtual Work Optimisation Method, or VWOM, that was developed minimises the mass of the structure while meeting building code strength requirements, and flexibility (o...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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South African Institution of Civil Engineering
2009-10-01
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| Series: | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineers |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1021-20192009000200002 |
| _version_ | 1797761294841937920 |
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| author | A Elvin R Walls D Cromberge |
| author_facet | A Elvin R Walls D Cromberge |
| author_sort | A Elvin |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This paper presents a method for optimising structures with a given geometry and loading based on the principle of virtual work. The Virtual Work Optimisation Method, or VWOM, that was developed minimises the mass of the structure while meeting building code strength requirements, and flexibility (or deflection) criteria. The optimisation can be readily constrained by grouping together members with the same sectional properties. The VWOM automates most of the design process, obviating the requirement of experience and expertise in stiffening a structure. Three case studies were conducted using the VWOM: (i) the benchmark optimisation ten-member truss; (ii) a truss frame designed by professional engineers; and (iii) a 24-storey frame. The results of the VWOM were compared with published or available solutions. The VWOM produced structures that were 0,9 to 15,1% lighter than those produced by the methods used in the comparisons. If every member was allowed to have its own sectional properties, the VWOM found even lighter structures (by as much as 19,5%). The VWOM is less computationally expensive than the comparison methods, requiring two or three orders of magnitude fewer iterations to converge to the solution. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T19:10:56Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3c07068aa93549588aeb24789ac224d2 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1021-2019 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T19:10:56Z |
| publishDate | 2009-10-01 |
| publisher | South African Institution of Civil Engineering |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineers |
| spelling | doaj.art-3c07068aa93549588aeb24789ac224d22023-08-02T05:55:09ZengSouth African Institution of Civil EngineeringJournal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineers1021-20192009-10-015120Optimising structures using the principle of virtual workA ElvinR WallsD CrombergeThis paper presents a method for optimising structures with a given geometry and loading based on the principle of virtual work. The Virtual Work Optimisation Method, or VWOM, that was developed minimises the mass of the structure while meeting building code strength requirements, and flexibility (or deflection) criteria. The optimisation can be readily constrained by grouping together members with the same sectional properties. The VWOM automates most of the design process, obviating the requirement of experience and expertise in stiffening a structure. Three case studies were conducted using the VWOM: (i) the benchmark optimisation ten-member truss; (ii) a truss frame designed by professional engineers; and (iii) a 24-storey frame. The results of the VWOM were compared with published or available solutions. The VWOM produced structures that were 0,9 to 15,1% lighter than those produced by the methods used in the comparisons. If every member was allowed to have its own sectional properties, the VWOM found even lighter structures (by as much as 19,5%). The VWOM is less computationally expensive than the comparison methods, requiring two or three orders of magnitude fewer iterations to converge to the solution.http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1021-20192009000200002automated member selectiondiscrete sections |
| spellingShingle | A Elvin R Walls D Cromberge Optimising structures using the principle of virtual work Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineers automated member selection discrete sections |
| title | Optimising structures using the principle of virtual work |
| title_full | Optimising structures using the principle of virtual work |
| title_fullStr | Optimising structures using the principle of virtual work |
| title_full_unstemmed | Optimising structures using the principle of virtual work |
| title_short | Optimising structures using the principle of virtual work |
| title_sort | optimising structures using the principle of virtual work |
| topic | automated member selection discrete sections |
| url | http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1021-20192009000200002 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT aelvin optimisingstructuresusingtheprincipleofvirtualwork AT rwalls optimisingstructuresusingtheprincipleofvirtualwork AT dcromberge optimisingstructuresusingtheprincipleofvirtualwork |