Wind Resistant Optimization of Spatial Truss Structures Under Multi-Constraints

The existing wind resistant optimization research on wind-sensitive structures mostly focused on high-rise buildings, and large span roof structures were seldom involved. The wind resistant optimization problem under multi-constraints like strength, stiffness and geometric dimensions, was converted to an unconstrained problem based on the principle of virtual work and Lagrange multiplier. A numerical program including finite element computation and optimization analysis was then developed to optimize a real double-layer cylindrical reticulated shell with 10 080 bars, followed by discussion of the influences of design variable feasible regions, design variable initial values and adjusting steps on the optimum results. Studies show that wind resistant performance of spatial truss structures under multi-constraints can be efficiently optimized by the proposed approach, and total weight of the shell is decreased by 37%. Lower limits of the design variables are necessary owing to non-uniform distribution of wind-induced responses, and different choices of initial design variables and adjusting steps could hardly influence the final optimum results.