A low computational cost optimization procedure for axial load carrying capacity of the multi-beam structure

The paper presents an improved algorithm to compute an axial load carrying capacity of the specific multi-beam structure in order to failure avoidance. The former approach based on the finite element method is reduced to determine a relation between the axial load and axial displacement for a single beam, while the time-consuming FE procedure applied on several beams is replaced with a numerical optimization process. The developed approach provides faster and simpler computation of the minimum axial load carrying capacity of the structure considering the beam length tolerances, where the results are in a good agreement with the complex FE analysis. Supporting theoretical and experimental analyses were performed to confirm the correctness of the mentioned method where the load carrying capacity of the multi-beam structure made up of six steel circular beams was analyzed.

Automated summary

This paper presents an improved algorithm for computing the axial load carrying capacity of a specific multi-beam structure to avoid failure. The previous approach based on the finite element method is simplified to determine the relation between axial load and displacement for a single beam, and the time-consuming finite element analysis on multiple beams is replaced with a numerical optimization process. The developed approach provides faster and simpler computation of the minimum axial load carrying capacity of the structure, considering beam length tolerances, and the results are in good agreement with complex finite element analysis. The correctness of the method is confirmed through theoretical and experimental analyses, analyzing the load carrying capacity of a multi-beam structure consisting of six steel circular beams.