H. Rahami, P. Mohebian, M. Mousavi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (7-2017)
Abstract
The present study sets out to integrate the performance-based seismic design approach with the connection topology optimization method. Performance-based connection topology optimization concept aims to simultaneously optimize the size of members and the type of connections with respect to the framework of performance-based seismic design. This new optimization concept is carried out for unbraced and X-braced steel frames in order to assess its efficiency. The cross-sectional area of components and the type of beam-to-column connections are regarded as design variables. The objective function is formulated in terms of the material costs and the cost of rigid connections. The nonlinear pushover analysis is adopted to acquire the response of the structure at various performance levels. In order to cope with the optimization problem, CBO algorithm is employed. The achieved results demonstrate that incorporating the optimal arrangement of beam-to-column connections into the optimum performance-based design procedure of either unbraced or X-braced steel frame could lead to a design that significantly reduces the overall cost of the structure and offers a predictable and reliable performance for the structure subjected to hazard levels.
H. Tamjidi Saraskanroud, M. Babaei,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Structural topology optimization provides an insight into efficient designing as it seeks optimal distribution of material to minimize the total cost and weight of the structures. This paper presents an optimum design of steel moment frames and connections of structures subjected to serviceability and strength constraints in accordance with AISC-Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). In connection topology optimizations, different beam and column sections and connections and also to optimize two steel moment frames a genetic algorithm was used and their performance was compared. Initially, two common steel moment frames were studied, only for the purpose of minimizing the weight of the structure and the members of structure are considered as design variables. Since the cost of a steel moment frame is not solely related to the weight of the structure, in order to obtain a realistic plan, in the second part of this study, for the other two frames the cost of the connections is also added to the variables. The results indicate that the steel frame optimization by applying real genetic algorithm could be optimal for structural designing. The findings highlighted the prominent performance and lower costs of the steel moment frames when different connections are used.
