ABSTRACT
Single-storey frame structures are extensively used for industrial, leisure and commercial buildings. In order to obtain efficient frame designs, researchers have introduced various optimization techniques, appropriate either for the continuous or the discrete optimization. O’Brien & Dixon (1997) have proposed a linear programming approach for the optimal design of pitched roof frames. Guerlement et al. (2001) have introduced a practical method for single-storey steel structures, based on a discrete minimum weight design and Eurocode 3 (1992) design constraints. Recently, Saka (2003) has considered an optimum design of pitched roof steel frames with hunched rafters by using a genetic algorithm. One of the latest researches reported in this field is the work of Hernández et al. (2005), where authors have considered minimum weight design of steel portal frames with software developed for structural optimization. It should be noted that all the mentioned authors deal with the discrete sizes optimization at fixed structural topologies.
