Study On The Seismic Design And Optimization For Frame Structures Using Hyperworks

Seismic response analysis plays a vital role in the design of buildings and structures. Generally, the selection of structural schemes and plans should be based on the requirements of seismic design. Hence, it is necessary to carry out optimization of the structures in a seismic environment in the course of design. Presently, the traditional structural optimization design process is typically completed either based on the designer’s personal experience or by means of the trial and error approach. Consequently, the optimization results are normally subjective. To address this issue, this thesis develops an algorithm for seismic structural design using the commercial software HyperStudy(optimization module of HyperWorks). The primary objective of this research is to automatically search the best optimal scheme under specified constraint conditions with algorithm control. Major contributions of this research include:(1) Perform seismic structural design optimization by seamlessly connecting HyperStudy. Structural seismic design optimization is then realized through the utilization of the programming functionality of SAP2000.(2) Develop a program OptiDesign, which allows for linking HyperStudy with SAP2000. The two main functions of OptiDesign involve:(i) Import files into SAP2000under appropriate path (ii) Automatically evaluate the results from SAP2000and export the data to HyperStudy for structural design optimization.(3) Obtain the response indices such as inter-floor shear forces, displacement ratios, and drifts by analyzing the results computed by SAP2000. Upon acquiring the results, optimization analysis conforming to concept of structural design can then be conducted through constraint control.(4) Compare the optimization efficiency and performance of the four algorithms for seismic design of frame structures provided in HyperStudy, i.e. GA, ARSM, MFD, and SQP. It is shown that among the four algorithms ARSM has the fastest convergence rate, the most reasonable optimization results, and thus the best potential for applications in seismic design optimization.(5) Obtain sensitivity levels between design parameters as well as between design parameters and output responses utilizing Design of Experiment (DOE). The evaluation of this study indicated that optimization efficiency could be considerably improved by neglecting insensitive design parameters prior to optimization.(6) Propose a method to combine HyperStudy and SAP2000for seismic optimization design of frame structures. The optimization results are consistent with the general principles and concepts of structural design. It is recommended in this investigation that the proposed method could be applied as a novel procedure for seismic optimization design of frame structures.