• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2000.04b
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• pp.439-448
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• 2000

A multi-level design synthesis (MLDA) algorithm for efficiently optimizing orthotropic steel deck bridges is proposed in the paper, because it is usually very difficult to optimize orthotropic steel deck bridges using a conventional single-level (CSL) algorithn since the bridges have a large number of members and show complex structural behaviors. In the proposed MLDS algorithms a coordination method is introduced to divide the bridges into main girders and orthotropic steel decks and decomposition method is also used to reduce the number of design variables of the decks for system level optimization. For efficient optimization of the bridges the MLDS algorithm incorporates the crucial approximation techliques such as constraints deletion and stress reanalysis. The constraint deletion technique for deflection is found to be very useful for the optimization problem of the bridges, since a deflection constraint is usually inactive in the design. Considering the complex system of the bridges, the proposed the efficient stress reanalysis technique may prove to be a very effective method, since it does not require expensive design sensitivity analyses. The applicability and robustness of the MLDS algorithm is demonstrated using various numerical examples and compared with other algorithm presently available so far.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.12 no.5 s.48
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• pp.475-485
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• 2000

In this study, an automated optimum design program for steel box girder bridges has been developed for the optimum design of composite steel box girder bridges. The design constraints required for the optimum design of steel box girder bridges are based on the Korean standard bridge specification. Considering characteristics of steel box girder bridges, several approximation techniques, such as artificial constraint deletion, variable linking and stress reanalysis technique etc. are also introduced to enhance the efficiency of optimization. The developed program is mainly composed of major sub-system modules including structural analysis module using commercial structural analysis program such as RM-SPACEFRAME, optimum design module, pre-process module for friendly user input, and post-processor module for office automation. In addition, in order to demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the developed optimum design program for steel box girder bridges, a few numerical examples are applied. Based on the results of the application, it may be stated that the automatic optimum design program developed in this study can be a prototype model for the developement of optimum design program for other type of bridge.