Author(s)

P.M. Sufian & A.B. Templeman

Abstract

Analysis and design of cable net structures through optimization techniques P.M. Sufian, A.B. Templeman Department of Civil Engineering, University of Liverpool, PO Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK ABS TRACT This paper shows that numerical optimization methods provide a com- prehensive and rigorous basis not only for design but also for a variety of very practical analysis problems associated with grossly non-linear cable structures. The static analysis is achieved through unconstrained optimization of the total potential energy stored in the structure. The pretension design is set in a multicnteria optimization context. A minimax solution is found by means of an entropy-based optimization algorithm. Illustrative examples are solved. INTRODUCTION The behaviour of cable net structures is characterised by a combination of geometrical and physical non-linearities. Geometric non-linearities arise from the fact that such structures equilibrate applied

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