OPTIMUM DESIGN OF COMPOSITE BOX GIRDER BRIDGE STRUCTURES

The practicality of optimization applied to a complex structural design problem is examined using the steel box girder bridge as a case for study. An automated procedure to generate and appraise cost differing layouts for a stiffened, open or closed steel box girder with composite concrete deck is described. Appraisal is based on the merrison interim design rules, CP 117 and BS 153. For comparison, the cost per metre of span is derived from a standard fabricated segment length of 10 M, using a breakdown of operation times with ascribed team plus plant rates and separate costing of material. A direct search technique with external penalty function is used to locate global optima. The procedure is applied to a numerical example in which minimum weight and minimum cost solutions are compared and the effects of changes in span and material grade are noted. It is concluded that the development of meaningful, special purpose, optimization routines for complex structures is possible and can be fruitful in technical and commercial terms provided the aim is to supplement rather than supplant engineering judgement. (A) /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Civil Engineers

  One Great George Street, Westminster
  London,   United Kingdom  SW1P 3AA
• Authors:
  • Surtees, J O
  • Tordoff, D
• Conference:
  • Institution of Civil Engineers, Proceedings
• Publication Date: 1977-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 181-194
• Serial:
  • Volume: 63

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic control; Automation; Beams; Box girders; Bridge design; Bridges; Computer programs; Construction; Costs; Design; Evaluation and assessment; Layout; Optimization; Steel; Structural design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Construction costs; Optimum
• ITRD Terms: 3882: Automatic; 3472: Beam; 3474: Box girder; 3455: Bridge; 224: Cost; 9011: Design (overall design); 9020: Evaluation (assessment); 8645: Software; 4542: Steel
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Finance; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153934
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Report/Paper Numbers: Analytic
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 28 1977 12:00AM