Optimum self-stress design of cable–strut structures using frequency constraints

Abstract

This paper investigates the force identification of pre-stress levels using the natural frequencies of cable–strut structures. Optimum self-stress design is conducted by using the conditions under which a cable–strut system can get rise to a maximum state of stiffness. A genetic algorithm is used as a global search technique for the maximization of natural frequency with an equilibrium constraint. Because the proposed method does not demand the eigenvalue decomposition of the force density matrix or the singular value decomposition of the equilibrium matrix, an initial single integral feasible self-stress mode for cable–strut structures can be effectively obtained. Several cable–strut structure examples are utilized to demonstrate the validity and the reliability of the proposed method.