Investigation of notch effect in the optimum weight design of steel truss towers via Particle Swarm Optimization and Firefly Algorithm

In this study, the optimal weight designs of steel truss towers are determined, considering the notch effect. Thus, the impact of discontinuities in the cross-sections of steel elements on the total weight of the structure is revealed. For this purpose, the optimal weight designs of different truss towers analyzed by other researchers in previous years are reexamined using Particle Swarm Optimization and Firefly Algorithm. The main program where finite element analyses and optimization algorithms are encoded has been developed in MATLAB. Displacement, stress, geometric, and section height constraints are used in optimization methods. The effectiveness of these methods has been demonstrated by comparing both the results in the literature and with each other under un-notched conditions. Subsequently, considering the notch effect on the tension bar with the highest stress capacity in each structure, the impact of stress concentration on the minimum weight sizing of the structure is investigated using these proven methods. When the analysis results of both cases are examined, it is observed that the optimum weights of all structures under the notch effect have slightly increased. The stress concentration around the notch severely raises the nominal stress in the cross-section. In this case, the cross-section becomes insufficient due to the overcapacity, requiring larger profiles. The structure’s weight shows an increasing trend depending on the number of notched elements and the severity of stress concentration. Additionally, SAP2000 software is utilized for numerical simulations of the structures under identical conditions, enhancing the research content and providing further support for the comprehensive design optimization analyses. Consequently, minimizing the adverse effects of notches through careful material selection, proper manufacturing and assembly techniques, and regular maintenance is essential. The effects of notches should be considered in structural analysis and design, with measures taken to mitigate these effects when necessary.