This paper presents a method for structural optimization of discrete trusses using Graphic Statics. As opposed to traditional structural optimization techniques, which are typically conducted by manipulating the geometry of the structure (the form diagram), the approach presented in this paper establishes a Graphic Statics solution to the problem, where structural optimization is conducted usin...

The join operation, which combines tuples from multiple relations, is the most fundamental and, typically, the most expensive operation in database queries. The standard approach to join-query optimization is cost based, which requires developing a cost model, assigning an estimated cost to each query-processing plan, and searching in the space of all plans for a plan of minimal cost. But as th...

The paper considers different problem formulations of topology optimization of discrete or discretized structures with eigenvalues as constraints or as objective functions. We study multiple load case formulations of minimum weight, minimum compliance problems and of the problem of maximizing the minimal eigenvalue of the structure including the effect of non-structural mass. The paper discusse...

There is a growing interest in the development of procedures for the design of structures exposed to multiple hazards. The goal is to achieve safer and/or more economical designs than would be the case if the structures were analyzed independently for each hazard and an envelope of the demands induced by each of the hazards were used for member sizing. We describe an optimization approach to mu...

The genetic algorithm, a search and optimization technique based on the theory of natural selection, is applied to problems of structural topology design. An overview of the genetic algorithm will first describe the genetics-based representations and operators used in a typical genetic algorithm search. Then, a review of previous research in structural optimization is provided. A discretized de...

The widespread availability of affordable high-performance personal computers and commercial software has prompted the integration of structural analyses with numerical optimization, reducing the need for design iterations by human designers. Despite its acceptance as a design tool, however, structural optimization seems yet to gain mainstream popularity in industry. To remedy this situation, t...

This article aims to study the self-supporting truss towers used to support large wind turbines. The goal is to evaluate and validate numerically by finite element method the structural analysis when the lattice structures of the towers of wind turbines are subjected to static loads and these from common usage. With this, it is expected to minimize the cost of transportation and installation of...

Application of structural optimization to transmission tower design is facilitated since major costs, e.g. material, transportation, erection and maintenance, are directly proportional to structural mass and economies of scale exist. In this paper, Structural Topology and Shape Annealing (STSA), a structural topology optimization method that combines structural grammars with simulated annealing...

The structural framework for a parametric catchment erosion model is proposed. A parameter optimization technique that provides a rational basis for the calibration of the model is developed. The adequacy of the model in representing a natural catchment is investigated.

In a weakly coupled structural-acoustic problem, the boundary conditions may be composed by two conditions. One is a velocity boundary condition, which can be obtained from a dynamic structural analysis and the other is an acoustic impedance boundary condition. The acoustic impedance boundary condition is used for modeling acoustic absorbent behavior at boundaries proportional to the velocity d...