Parametric optimization of sandwich composite footbridge with U-shaped cross-section

Abstract

Parametric optimization of sandwich composite footbridge was presented in the paper. Composite footbridge has 14,5 m long and has U-shaped cross-section with inner dimensions 2,6 × 1,3 m. The sandwich structure in made from GFRP laminate as a faces and PET foam as a core. The aim of analysis was to minimize the mass of the new footbridge that can lead to minimize the cost of structure. After optimization was conducted, the new structure was compare with the realized one. The results show that while mass can be decreased the state variables of structure like maximum displacement, strain or natural frequency do not change significantly. Moreover, results show that, although the mass is decreased, stiffness of the new structure is even higher.Optimization and sensitivity analysis, the divisions of theory of designing, provide the designer a significant support. Despite presented optimization, also sensitivity analysis can additionally be effectively used in issues related to strengthening or modernizing structures as well as in the process of identifying quantities describing the computational model.