Shape Optimisation of Cold-Formed Steel Profiles with Manufacturing Constraints - Part II: Applications

Abstract

This paper uses the Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based optimisation method for cold-formed steel (CFS) profiles with manufacturing constraints, developed in the companion paper, to shape-optimise simply-supported and singly-symmetric open-section columns. Having a uniform wall thickness of 0.047 inch (1.2 mm), the columns are subjected to a compressive axial load of 16,860 lbf (75kN) and optimised for yielding and global buckling. Column lengths ranging from 3.28 ft (1,000 mm) to 9.84 ft (3,000 mm) are investigated. The algorithm is run with and without considering the manufacturing constraints. Differences between the two types of cross-sections, i.e. manufacturable and non-manufacturable, are evaluated. The influence of the number of manufacturable flat segments on the optimised cross-sectional area is also investigated. Future developments of the method for strength optimisation under combined actions and practical applications are discussed