Doing more with less: layout optimisation of structures (with Q&A)

Technical Lecture Series 2019
Speakers: Matthew Gilbert (University of Sheffield) and Paul Shepherd (University of Bath)
Matthew and Paul outline new methods developed as part of the UK government-funded BUILD-OPT research project, and how these can be applied to a range of design projects.
You can now download the Peregrine Grasshopper optimisation plugin: www.limitstate...
Recorded on 20 November 2019

[@bucklogos]

Fascinating talk. I wondered how and if it takes into consideration types of materials to be used, but when they said it just looks where you need elements that made it so much clearer to me. I haven't had a chance to try their software, but I guess it simply gives you the list of loads for each element and it's up to you to then decide what materials you want to use where. Really cool

[@sergioguindon2976]

Thanks, Matthew and Paul! Interesting work - look forward to playing with Peregrine.

[@amarrch100]

Remarkable work. It would have been great if the hyperlinks of the research papers could be given in the description for the ease of reference.

[@matthewgilbert6876]

Thanks - please find list of papers referred to in the presentation below, with hyperlinks:
Bolbotowski K, He L. & Gilbert M (2018) Design of optimum grillages using layout optimization. Struct. Mult. Optim., 58(3):851-868. doi.org/10.1007/s00158-018-1930-6
Fairclough HE, Gilbert M, Pichugin AV, Tyas A & Firth I (2018) Theoretically optimal forms for very long-span bridges under gravity loading. Proc. Roy Soc. A, 474(2217). doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2017.0726
Fairclough H, Gilbert M, Thirion C, Tyas A & Winslow P (2019) Optimisation-driven conceptual design: case study of a large transfer truss. The Structural Engineer, 97(10), 20-26. eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/154501/
Fairclough HE & Gilbert M (2020), Layout optimization of simplified trusses using mixed integer linear programming with runtime generation of constraints. Struct. Mult. Optim., In press - available soon.
He L & Gilbert M (2015) Rationalization of trusses generated via layout optimization. Struct. Mult. Optim., 52(4):677-694. eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/91607/
Lu H, Gilbert M & Tyas A (2018) Theoretically optimal bracing for pre-existing building frames. Struct. Mult. Optim., 58(2), 677-686, 2018. doi.org/10.1007/s00158-018-1921-7
Lu H, Gilbert M & Tyas A (2019) Layout optimization of building frames subject to gravity and lateral load cases. Struct. Mult. Optim., 60(4), 1561-1570, 2019. doi.org/10.1007/s00158-019-02283-x
Weldeyesus AG, Gondzio J, He L, Gilbert M, Shepherd P & Tyas A (2019) Adaptive solution of truss layout optimization problems with global stability constraints, Struct. Mult. Optim., Online First. doi.org/10.1007/s00158-019-02312-9
Also Peregrine Rhino/Grasshopper optimization plugin: www.limitstate3d.com/peregrine

[@salexlife]

This is exceptional work

[@juliansmith2729]

@Paul Shepherd Question: With the layout optimisation of trusses (59:01) and implementing a simplified global optimum in respect of the material weight - with the asymmetric geometry of the resulting truss design - if adopted and implemented in a building / structure - does the failure modality associated with material wear at end-of-life or accelerated degradation like corrosion or weakening through heat and fire perform less well in terms of safety margin and buffer of "over" engineering? Are the asymmetric members creating more criticality or 'Achilles Heels' at certain points?

[@nascentnaga]

this is a gem

[@Bilangumus]

Have you used peregrine ?

[@mariogarciallorente8102]

Great job! Congrats

[@yavuzyardim1212]

Great job, well done!

[@nedisawegoyogya]

Idk what type of optimization you use but your layout optimization part in peregrine is very poor at solving structure having multiple loadcase scenario