A MULTILAYER OPTIMIZATION SCHEME FOR LATTICE STEEL STRUCTURES

Abstract

This research proposes a multilayer optimization scheme. Where the first layer is concerned with solving the layout problem using the Simple Isotropic Material with Penalization method (SIMP) to achieve the minimum compliance. Then, a second optimization loop commences in order to determine the optimum cross sections of the members of the proposed layout. To achieve said step, the Interior Point Method optimization (IPM) was utilized, the incorporation of both optimization schemes ensures that the final output of the optimization scheme satisfies all the requirements and objectives initially set. Two case studies are presented in this research to validate the optimization scheme. The studies evaluate the optimality of the existing structure compared to an alternate layout resulted from the optimization approaches.