Preliminary design of long-span king-post truss systems with a genetic algorithm

This article presents an efficient design approach for the preliminary desi gn of long-span king-post steel truss systems. First of all, the key parame ters that govern effectiveness of the design of a truss system that has its own unique geometric configuration are identified. An optimization model b ased on the identified key design parameters and the proposed simplified an alysis model is established next. A generic algorithm is then applied to se arch for the optimal key design parameters. Finally, design examples based on the study of two arena projects in North America are presented. The resu lts of the study suggest that the proposed design method provides an effici ent and practical solution for the design of long-span king-post truss syst ems.