A GA-based technique for layout optimization of truss with stress and displacement constraints

Various developments of increasing complexity involved in layout optimization are discussed. The use of conventional GA in layout optimization is brie=y mentioned with emphasis on its limitations and conditions imposed in >nding the optimal design. The proposed new technique is applied to the benchmark example of Michell’s truss for veri>cation. The approach has also been applied to new examples of bridge truss and crane truss problems in order to demonstrate the generality and robustness for topology optimization. The approach is extended to include dual stress-displacements constraints sincemany practical problems involvethe setwo constraints simultaneously. Two-bar and 10- bar trusses are solved as examples for layout optimization with both stress and displacement constraints with satisfactory results. The eAect of mutation on the >nal topology is also discussed. The major drawbacks of theground structureapproach areove rcomein this proposed new method. Theoptimal designs obtained demonstrate the ability, robustness and generality of using the proposed new technique in layout optimization problems