Computer tool with intelligent behavior for the optimal preliminary design in non-braced structural steel frame.

Area of Science:

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Optimization
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Civil structure optimization enhances material efficiency within defined constraints.
• Technological advancements, particularly computing power, enable complex structural modeling and optimization.
• Traditional design processes involve time-consuming iterative analyses for profile selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce OPS Design v2.0, a computational tool for preliminary optimal distribution of metallic profiles in Ordinary Moment Frames (OMF).
• To minimize the number of distinct profiles and the overall structural weight.
• To reduce construction complexity and material costs per linear meter.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an optimization model within the OPS Design v2.0 software.
• Focus on minimizing profile variety and structural self-weight.
• Evaluation through a comparative case study against commercial design tools.

Main Results:

• OPS Design v2.0 achieved a more efficient distribution of metallic structural profiles.
• The software reduced the number of different profiles and the structure's own weight.
• Designs generated by OPS Design v2.0 outperformed those from commercial tools in efficiency.

Conclusions:

• OPS Design v2.0 effectively optimizes structural designs for Ordinary Moment Frames.
• The tool significantly reduces computational expense and design time in preliminary project phases.
• This optimization contributes to lower material costs and simplified construction processes.