Abstract
This paper makes important initial steps in the application of large-scale structural optimization to Rigidified Inflatable Structures (RIS) for cost competitive residential construction, and does so within the realistic framework of multiobjective optimization using the effective physical programming approach. Over the past two decades, structural optimization has proved to be an invaluable tool in numerous arenas. Its faint beginnings in civil engineering have given way to important applications in the aerospace industry, and more recently, in the automotive industry and many other areas. Importantly, structural optimization has given way to the broader field of Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO). Within this context, this paper explores the feasibility of RIS design for residential construction with respect to cost, structural integrity (e.g., buckling, deformation), and other practical issues. A cylindrical structure is considered, and is subjected to code-specified snow and wind loads. Within a multiobjective framework, a physical-programming-based optimization approach is developed to examine the behavior and feasibility of reinforced and non-reinforced polymers as primary RIS materials. Using a finite element model of approximately 72000 degrees of freedom, we illustrate how the physical programming method effectively addresses the multiobjective and multiscale nature of the problem. Initial results indicate favorable feasibility of RIS use in housing. Further studies of broader scope are suggested.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Accurate Plastics Inc. 2002: www.acculam.com/s4.htm
Adeli, H.; Kumar, S. 1995: Concurrent structural optimization on massively parallel supercomputer. J. Struct. Eng. 121(11), 1588–1597
Building Officials & Code Administrators International Inc. 1996: National Building Code. Design Safe Load Section 1604.0
Callister, W.D., Jr. 1999: Materials Science and Engineering: an Introduction, 5th edn. New York: John Wiley & Sons
Chen, Y.M.; Bhaskar, A.; Keane, A. 2001: A parallel nodal-based evolutionary structural optimization algorithm. Struct. Multidisc. Optim. 23, 241–251
Dent, R.N. 1972: Principles of Pneumatic Architecture. London: Architectural Press
DiTomas, E. 1996: New materials for the 21st century. In: Materials for the new millenium: Proc. 4th Materials Engineering Conf., (held in Washington, DC)
Freeland, R.; Bilyeu, G.; Veal, G. 1993: Validation of a unique concept for a low-cost, lightweight space-deployable antenna structure. In: 44th Congr. Int. Astronautical Federation, in Graz (Austria)
Jenkins, W.M. 1997: On the application of natural algorithms to structural design optimization. Eng. Struct. 19(4), 302–308
Malone, P.; Williams, G.T. 1996: Lightweight inflatable solar array. J. Propul. Power 12(5), 866–872
Messac, A. 1996: Physical programming: Effective optimization for computational design. AIAA J. 34(1), 149–158
Messac, A.; Gupta, S.; Akbulut, B. 1996: Linear physical programming: effective optimization for complex linear systems. Trans. Oper. Res. 8, 39–59
Messac, A.; Hattis, P. 1996: Physical programming design optimization for high speed civil transport (HSCT). AIAA J. Aircraft 33(2), 446–449
Messac, A.; Wilson, B. 1998: Physical programming for computational control. AIAA J. 36(2), 219–226
Patnaik, S.N.; Hopkins, D.A. 2000: General-purpose optimization method for multidisciplinary design applications. Adv. Eng. Software 31, 57–63
Rao, S.S. 1994: Multiobjective optimization of actively controlled structures. In: ASCE 11th Conf. Analysis and Computation (held in Atlanta)
R.S. Means Company Inc. 1998: RS Means Building Construction Cost Data, 56th annual edn. Kingston: R.S. Means Company, Inc. Construction Publishers & Consultants
Roodman, D.; Lenssen, N. 1995: A building revolution: how ecology and health concerns are transforming construction. Worldwatch 124
Suleman, A.; Goncalves, M.A. 2000: Multi-objective optimization of an adaptive composite beam using the physical programming approach. J. Intell. Mater. Syst. Struct. 10(1), 56–70
Sunar, M.; Rao, S.S. 1995: In: Proc. 1995 ASME Design Engineering Technical Conf. ASME 15th Biennial Conf. Mechanical Vibration and Noise, Vibration Control, Analysis, and Identification Part C (held in Boston)
Tseng, C.H.; Lu, T.W. 1990: Minimax multiobjective optimization in structural design. Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 30(6), 1213–1228
Van Dessel, S.; Ismail-Yahaya, A.; Messac, A. 2002: Historical perspective and study of housing design optimization. In: ACSA Technology Conf.: Technology and Housing (held in Portland)
Van Dessel, S.; Messac, A.; Mullur, A.; Farina, A. 2002: Feasibility and optimization of a rigidified pneumatic composite wall system for use in residential construction. ASCE J. Struct. Eng.; in press
Vanderplaats, G.N. 1999: Numerical Optimization Techniques for Engineering Design, 3rd edn. Colorado Springs: Vanderplaats Research & Development
Vanderplaats R&D 2001: Genesis structural analysis and optimization. Version 7.0
Wilson, B.H.; Erin, C.; Messac, A. 1999: Optimal design of a vibration isolation table using physical programming. ASME J. Dyn. Syst. Meas. Control 121, 171–178
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Messac, A., Van Dessel, S., Mullur, A. et al. Optimization of large-scale rigidified inflatable structures for housing using physical programming. Struct Multidisc Optim 26, 139–151 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-003-0317-4
Received:
Revised:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-003-0317-4