ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The optimum design of planar trusses is shown in this study by means of two novel and interrelated constrained gradient-based optimization techniques, namely the Leap-frog method and the Dynamic-Q method. In the optimisation the height and the cross-sectional dimensions are optimised using circular hollow sections (CHS) for minimum volume. The effect of several truss parameters, such as loads, number of fields, has been investigated during the optimization. Using the optimised height, significant mass and cost savings can be achieved in the design stage. This is in contrast to the current routine and design practice in which the truss height is taken proportional to the span length, and which does not give an optimal solution with minimum mass.
