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Truss and frame structures are considered at their critical states, i.e., bifurcation or limit points. When design parameters vary, the critical points evolve and the respective critical loads are modified. This paper is concerned with sensitivity analysis of critical loads with respect to cross-sectional and configuration parameters. The effect of redistribution during the prebuckling state is considered.

AbstractIn this paper, a heuristic algorithm is presented for optimal design of trusses with varying cross-sectional parameters, configuration of nodes, and number of nodes and bars. The algorithm provides new nodes and bars at some states and for the optimal truss configuration. It is assumed that the structure evolves with the overall size parameter and a “bifurcation” of topology occurs with the generation of new nodes, in order to minimize the cost function. Both displacement and stress constraints can be introduced in the optimization procedure.