Nonlinear Optimization of Orthotropic Steel Deck System Based on Response Surface Methodology.

Area of Science:

• Structural Engineering
• Computational Mechanics
• Optimization Methods

Background:

• Steel bridge decks are critical components subjected to vehicle loads.
• Complex structures and coupled parameters lead to time-consuming optimization calculations.
• Fatigue details in steel bridge decks necessitate efficient design processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a simplified nonlinear optimization method for steel bridge deck systems.
• To reduce computational workload in structure optimization.
• To establish explicit relationships between fatigue details and design parameters.

Main Methods:

• Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for nonlinear optimization.
• Box-Behnken design to create an efficient sample space for eight structural parameters.
• Finite Element Method (FEM) to model mechanical responses.
• Regression analysis to derive explicit relationships.

Main Results:

• Developed explicit relationships between fatigue details and design parameters.
• Successfully applied nonlinear optimization to a steel bridge deck system with two-layer pavement.
• Demonstrated the method's capability to handle various parameters and objectives.

Conclusions:

• The proposed RSM-based nonlinear optimization method simplifies steel bridge deck design.
• The method significantly reduces calculation workload during optimization.
• This approach offers flexibility for diverse structural parameters and optimization goals in bridge engineering.