Minimum weight structures designed by genetic algorithms
Abstract
The weight of a fully stressed structure with a prescribed geometry, carrying a single or multiple loading, can be altered by “prestressing”, making one or more members too long or too short. In this paper a Genetic Algorithm is used to calculate the optimum prestressing. Finally, it is shown that the structure will “shake down” to this optimum if the “zero load” case is included in the calculations, even if the actual structure is manufactured without prestressing.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Topology Optimization in Engineering
Structural Analysis and Optimization
Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 317–322
- Publication date
- 10 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter